Performance
Score Breakdown
Thames
Toledo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Toledo is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
36% higher compared to Thames.
Housing costs are a major driver: Thames's average rent is
74% higher than Toledo's.
| Metric | Thames | Toledo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,656 | $950 | +74% |
| Groceries | $350 | $342 | +2% |
| Utilities | $325 | $295 | +10% |
| Transport | $90 | $180 | -50% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $200 | +25% |
| Monthly Total | $2,671 | $1,967 | +36% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Toledo offers 20% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Toledo delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Thames is estimated at
$55,000 vs $52,000 in Toledo.
| Metric | Thames | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $56,880 | $71,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,874 idx | 74,737 idx |
| Household Income | $41,200 | $49,724 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Thames | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| 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
10,000 minutes (167 hours) per year compared to Toledo.
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 | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 46.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Toledo is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Thames is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Toledo has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Thames | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,230 | 267,463 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 54.9 | 35.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 4.40% |
| 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.
Toledo
Advantages
Toledo offers a significantly affordable cost of living, approximately 5% lower than the national average.
The city boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, highlighted by the world-class Toledo Museum of Art.
Residents have excellent access to nature and outdoor recreation through the extensive Metroparks system, the Maumee River, and Lake Erie.
Toledo has seen significant economic development and business investment, ranking among the top 10 nationally in 2024.
The average commute time in Toledo is relatively short at 19.8 minutes, easing daily travel for residents.
Drawbacks
Toledo has a high violent crime rate, which is significantly above the national average.
The city experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and notable snowfall.
Toledo's infrastructure, particularly its roads, is often cited as being in poor condition.
Job opportunities in some high-growth sectors may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Public transportation options in Toledo are considered limited, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
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
Toledo
#88Ohio, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$71,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
46.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
68
Business
75
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