Performance
Score Breakdown
Strand
Springfield
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Springfield is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
47% higher compared to Strand.
Housing costs are a major driver: Strand's average rent is
89% higher than Springfield's.
| Metric | Strand | Springfield | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $950 | +89% |
| Groceries | $450 | $400 | +13% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,800 | $1,900 | +47% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Springfield offers 39% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Springfield delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Strand is estimated at
$28,000 vs $33,240 in Springfield.
| Metric | Strand | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $30,000 | $49,276 |
| Salary Needed | $28,000 | $33,240 |
| Purchasing Power | 31,579 idx | 57,972 idx |
| Household Income | $62,000 | $47,143 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Strand | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Springfield has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 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 | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 21 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 6.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Strand is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Springfield.
From a growth perspective, Strand is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Springfield has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Strand | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 65,635 | 58,190 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.60% | % |
| Median Age | 27.2 | 37.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.00% |
| 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.
Springfield
Advantages
Cost of living is approximately 15% below the national average, with housing costs running about 46% below the national norm. [25]
Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is approximately $920 per month, significantly lower than the national average of $1,430. [25]
The median home value in Springfield is $102,100, which is 64% below the national average. [41]
Springfield has a lower rent-to-income ratio compared to other small metros in Ohio, indicating better rental affordability. [14]
The city is actively working on downtown revitalization, with new residential housing and entertainment venues. [30]
Drawbacks
Springfield has a high crime rate, significantly above both state and national averages, with a concerning trend in violent and property crimes. [9, 26]
The violent crime rate in Springfield is 1371.1 per 100,000 residents, which is substantially higher than the national average. [9]
Springfield has one of the highest crime rates in America, with a chance of becoming a victim of crime being one in 17. [26]
The city's walkability score is very low, indicating a high dependency on cars for transportation. [22, 38]
The median household income of $47,143 is below the national average, and the poverty rate is 23.1%, higher than the national average. [3, 39]
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
Springfield
#117Ohio, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$49,276
Cost Index
85
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
13.0/10
Walkability
6.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.00%
Livability
70
Business
60
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