Performance
Score Breakdown
Strand
Cincinnati
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Cincinnati is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
14% higher compared to Strand.
Housing costs are a major driver: Strand's average rent is
28% higher than Cincinnati's.
| Metric | Strand | Cincinnati | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,410 | +28% |
| Groceries | $450 | $493 | -9% |
| Utilities | $180 | $178 | +1% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,800 | $2,451 | +14% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cincinnati offers 62% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Cincinnati delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Strand is estimated at
$28,000 vs $55,000 in Cincinnati.
| Metric | Strand | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $30,000 | $79,000 |
| Salary Needed | $28,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 31,579 idx | 76,699 idx |
| Household Income | $62,000 | $52,909 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Strand | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Cincinnati has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Strand.
Strand scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Strand leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Strand | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 49.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Cincinnati is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Strand.
From a growth perspective, Strand is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Cincinnati has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Strand | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 65,635 | 314,915 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.60% | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 27.2 | 33.2 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 3.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Strand
Advantages
Property values have shown significant capital growth, with average prices in sought-after suburbs like Strand North and Strand Central increasing by 11.6% per year from 2021 to 2024.
The Western Cape province, which includes Strand, consistently has one of the lowest unemployment rates in South Africa, indicating a robust job market.
Strand is well-served by schools and nearby healthcare facilities, contributing to a good quality of life.
The town offers a desirable coastal lifestyle with a long sandy beach and scenic mountain views, attracting residents seeking outdoor recreation.
Ongoing municipal infrastructure upgrades and private sector investments are enhancing the town's amenities and economic prospects.
Drawbacks
The cost of living, particularly housing, is rising rapidly, making it difficult for some residents, including essential workers, to afford accommodation.
Crime statistics for the broader precinct indicate that total crime is significantly above the provincial median, with contact and property crimes being notable concerns.
Car dependency is high, with 73% of residents using private vehicles for commuting, suggesting potential traffic and parking challenges.
While property values are increasing, this also contributes to affordability issues for long-term residents and lower-income households.
The town's popularity is leading to concerns about displacement of long-term residents due to escalating property costs.
Cincinnati
Advantages
The cost of living in Cincinnati is 3% lower than the national average, making it more affordable than many major U.S. cities.
Cincinnati boasts a diverse and growing economy, with strong sectors in healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services.
The city offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, including museums, theaters, and a symphony orchestra.
Several neighborhoods, such as Over-The-Rhine and the Central Business District, are highly walkable, with Walk Scores of 94 and 92 respectively.
The median property value in Cincinnati was $230,900 in 2024, significantly lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible.
Drawbacks
While some areas are highly walkable, the city's overall Walk Score of 49 indicates a car-dependent environment for most errands.
Public transportation, while available, is not considered the most dependable, often necessitating a personal vehicle.
The city's poverty rate was 25.5% in 2024, which is higher than the national average.
Cincinnati experiences extreme seasonal variations in humidity, with muggy summers and very cold, snowy winters.
The average commute time in the Cincinnati metropolitan area was 2 hours daily in 2023, which is relatively long compared to some other cities.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Strand
#1Western Cape, South Africa
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$30,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.60%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
Cincinnati
#72Ohio, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,410
Avg Salary
$79,000
Cost Index
103
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
49.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.70%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
70
Business
72
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