Hamilton logs 181 sunny days a year to Nelson's 225 — Nelson wins by 44. Hamilton and Nelson match on outdoor-dinner months (5 vs 5).

Hamilton runs about $2,228/mo for a balanced lifestyle against Nelson's $2,187/mo — Nelson comes in $41 cheaper each month, roughly 2% less.

Hamilton and Nelson score neck-and-neck on mobility (1.8 vs 1.8, 0–5 scale).

Hamilton's culture score of 2.9 sits well above Nelson's 2.0, with the biggest gap on nightlife.

Nelson's nature & outdoors score of 4.8 sits well above Hamilton's 3.2, with the biggest gap on hiking. Hamilton still holds an edge on surfing & watersports.

Nelson's safety score of 5.0 sits well above Hamilton's 4.3, with the biggest gap on property crime safety. Hamilton still holds an edge on wildfire safety.

Hamilton's career score of 2.3 sits well above Nelson's 1.6, with the biggest gap on career opportunities.

Hamilton and Nelson score neck-and-neck on social & community (3.3 vs 3.3, 0–5 scale).

On food & dining, Hamilton scores 2.2 vs Nelson's 1.4 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on food delivery.

On family, Hamilton scores 2.4 vs Nelson's 2.1 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on universities. Nelson still holds an edge on wellness/spa.

Hamilton and Nelson score neck-and-neck on healthcare (2.7 vs 2.7, 0–5 scale).

Hamilton averages 6.1 µg/m³ (good) PM2.5 annually versus Nelson's 6.3 µg/m³ (good) — Hamilton breathes ~2% cleaner air (0.2 µg/m³ lower).

Who Thrives Here