Performance
Score Breakdown
Thames
Aiken
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Aiken is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
11% higher compared to Thames.
Housing costs are a major driver: Thames's average rent is
18% higher than Aiken's.
| Metric | Thames | Aiken | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,656 | $1,400 | +18% |
| Groceries | $350 | $400 | -13% |
| Utilities | $325 | $236 | +38% |
| Transport | $90 | $120 | -25% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,671 | $2,406 | +11% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Aiken offers 14% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Aiken delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Thames is estimated at
$55,000 vs $55,000 in Aiken.
| Metric | Thames | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $56,880 | $65,884 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,874 idx | 74,027 idx |
| Household Income | $41,200 | $76,746 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Thames | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Thames has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
12,000 minutes (200 hours) per year compared to Aiken.
Thames scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Thames leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Thames | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | min | 24 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 35.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Aiken is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Thames.
From a growth perspective, Aiken is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Aiken has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Thames | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,230 | 33,306 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 54.9 | 46.6 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Thames
Advantages
Affordable cost of living compared to major New Zealand cities.
Rich gold mining history and a vibrant arts community.
Relatively safe environment with a lower crime rate than the national average.
Scenic location at the southwestern end of the Coromandel Peninsula.
Moderate car dependency and decent transit/walkability scores.
Drawbacks
Rising unemployment rate, reaching a decade-high in the Thames-Coromandel District.
High average house prices despite recent falls, making homeownership challenging.
Higher median age compared to the national average, potentially indicating an aging population.
Economic conditions can be challenging, with some industries declining.
Crime rate in the wider district has seen an increase.
Aiken
Advantages
The cost of living in Aiken is approximately 11% lower than the national average.
Aiken boasts a higher homeownership rate of 68.1% as of 2024.
The city offers a mild climate with ample opportunities for outdoor activities and a vibrant downtown.
Aiken County's unemployment rate of 3.4% in April 2026 is lower than the national average.
The average commute time of 24 minutes is considered manageable.
Drawbacks
Aiken's transportation system is largely car-dependent, with limited public transit options.
The city's safety index of 30 suggests a higher crime rate compared to national benchmarks.
Aiken County's poverty rate of 14.3% is higher than the national average of 12.5%.
While the downtown is walkable, the city overall has a lower walkability score due to car dependency.
Some utility costs are reported to be slightly higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Thames
#1Waikato, New Zealand
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,656
Avg Salary
$56,880
Cost Index
95
Commute
min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
74
Business
68
Aiken
#72South Carolina, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,400
Avg Salary
$65,884
Cost Index
89
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
35.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
72
Business
65
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