Hamilton logs 181 sunny days a year to Wellington's 226 — Wellington wins by 45. Hamilton also leads on outdoor-dinner months by 5.

Hamilton runs about $2,228/mo for a balanced lifestyle against Wellington's $2,666/mo — Hamilton comes in $438 cheaper each month, roughly 20% less.

On mobility, Wellington scores 3.0 vs Hamilton's 1.8 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on public transit.

Hamilton's culture score of 2.9 sits well above Wellington's 2.6. Wellington still holds an edge on live music venues.

Wellington's nature & outdoors score of 4.3 sits well above Hamilton's 3.2, with the biggest gap on sea access. Hamilton still holds an edge on rock climbing.

Hamilton's safety score of 4.3 sits well above Wellington's 3.9, with the biggest gap on walking safety.

Wellington's career score of 2.9 sits well above Hamilton's 2.3, with the biggest gap on career opportunities.

Wellington's social & community score of 3.7 sits well above Hamilton's 3.3, with the biggest gap on expat-first community. Hamilton still holds an edge on expat integration experience.

On food & dining, Wellington scores 3.6 vs Hamilton's 2.2 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on restaurant variety.

On family, Wellington scores 2.9 vs Hamilton's 2.4 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on yoga studios.

On healthcare, Wellington scores 3.0 vs Hamilton's 2.7 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on private healthcare quality.

Hamilton averages 6.1 µg/m³ (good) PM2.5 annually versus Wellington's 6.2 µg/m³ (good) — Hamilton breathes ~1% cleaner air (0.1 µg/m³ lower).

Who Thrives Here