Performance
Score Breakdown
Strand
Grants Pass
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Grants Pass is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
9% higher compared to Strand.
Housing costs are a major driver: Strand's average rent is
24% higher than Grants Pass's.
| Metric | Strand | Grants Pass | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,450 | +24% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $400 | -55% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $150 | +67% |
| Monthly Total | $2,800 | $2,570 | +9% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Grants Pass offers 53% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Grants Pass delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Strand is estimated at
$28,000 vs $58,000 in Grants Pass.
| Metric | Strand | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $30,000 | $64,331 |
| Salary Needed | $28,000 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 31,579 idx | 57,438 idx |
| Household Income | $62,000 | $59,646 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Strand | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 74.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Grants Pass has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 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 | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 27.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Strand is the larger city
— approximately 1.6x the population of Grants Pass.
From a growth perspective, Strand is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Strand has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Strand | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 65,635 | 40,051 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.60% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 27.2 | 40.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 5.60% |
| 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.
Grants Pass
Advantages
Access to world-class outdoor recreation on the Rogue River, including rafting and fishing.
More sunny days and a warmer, drier climate compared to much of western Oregon.
Housing is comparatively more affordable than larger West Coast cities and some other Oregon metros.
A growing arts and food scene in a walkable, historic downtown.
Friendly community atmosphere appealing to families and retirees.
Drawbacks
Overall crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, particularly due to property crime.
Limited high-wage job opportunities compared to larger economic centers.
Air quality can be impacted by wildfire smoke during certain seasons.
Presence of a significant homeless population in the downtown core.
High car dependency due to minimal public transportation options.
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
Grants Pass
#91Oregon, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$64,331
Cost Index
112
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
27.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
5.60%
Livability
70
Business
60
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