Irkutsk logs 0 hot days a year to Samara's 26 — Irkutsk wins by 26. Samara also leads on frost days by 55.

Irkutsk runs about $1,267/mo for a balanced lifestyle against Samara's $1,170/mo — Samara comes in $97 cheaper each month, roughly 8% less.

On mobility, Samara scores 2.2 vs Irkutsk's 1.8 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on motorbike/scooter efficiency. Irkutsk still holds an edge on car efficiency.

Irkutsk and Samara score neck-and-neck on culture (2.2 vs 2.1, 0–5 scale).

Irkutsk's nature & outdoors score of 3.8 sits well above Samara's 3.5, with the biggest gap on camping. Samara still holds an edge on green areas.

Irkutsk and Samara score neck-and-neck on safety (1.8 vs 1.8, 0–5 scale).

Samara's career score of 2.6 sits well above Irkutsk's 1.9, with the biggest gap on economic scale.

Samara's social & community score of 2.1 sits well above Irkutsk's 1.9, with the biggest gap on multicultural mix. Irkutsk still holds an edge on admin english support.

On food & dining, Samara scores 2.2 vs Irkutsk's 1.6 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on food delivery.

On family, Samara scores 2.1 vs Irkutsk's 1.7 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on tennis/pickleball.

Irkutsk and Samara score neck-and-neck on healthcare (1.0 vs 1.0, 0–5 scale).

Irkutsk averages 12.2 µg/m³ (moderate) PM2.5 annually versus Samara's 11.7 µg/m³ (moderate) — Samara breathes ~4% cleaner air (0.5 µg/m³ lower).

Who Thrives Here