Christchurch logs 0 frost days a year to Dunedin's 21 — Christchurch wins by 21. Christchurch also leads on sunny days by 39.

Christchurch runs about $2,398/mo for a balanced lifestyle against Dunedin's $2,135/mo — Dunedin comes in $263 cheaper each month, roughly 12% less.

On mobility, Christchurch scores 2.6 vs Dunedin's 1.4 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on airport accessibility. Dunedin still holds an edge on car efficiency.

Christchurch's culture score of 3.1 sits well above Dunedin's 2.0, with the biggest gap on history museums. Dunedin still holds an edge on nightlife.

Christchurch's nature & outdoors score of 4.7 sits well above Dunedin's 4.0, with the biggest gap on outdoor running.

Christchurch and Dunedin score neck-and-neck on safety (4.3 vs 4.4, 0–5 scale).

Christchurch's career score of 2.9 sits well above Dunedin's 2.0, with the biggest gap on career opportunities.

Christchurch's social & community score of 3.1 sits well above Dunedin's 2.8, with the biggest gap on multicultural mix. Dunedin still holds an edge on expat integration experience.

On food & dining, Christchurch scores 2.4 vs Dunedin's 1.6 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on restaurant variety.

On family, Christchurch scores 2.7 vs Dunedin's 1.9 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on playgrounds.

On healthcare, Christchurch scores 3.4 vs Dunedin's 2.7 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on public healthcare quality.

Christchurch averages 7.1 µg/m³ (good) PM2.5 annually versus Dunedin's 5.7 µg/m³ (good) — Dunedin breathes ~19% cleaner air (1.4 µg/m³ lower).

Who Thrives Here