Irkutsk logs 200 frost days a year to Vladivostok's 128 — Vladivostok wins by 72. Vladivostok also leads on outdoor-dinner months by 1.

Irkutsk runs about $1,267/mo for a balanced lifestyle against Vladivostok's $1,432/mo — Irkutsk comes in $165 cheaper each month, roughly 13% less.

On mobility, Vladivostok 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 Vladivostok score neck-and-neck on culture (2.2 vs 2.3, 0–5 scale).

Vladivostok's nature & outdoors score of 4.2 sits well above Irkutsk's 3.8, with the biggest gap on sea access. Irkutsk still holds an edge on lakes & rivers.

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

Vladivostok's career score of 2.2 sits well above Irkutsk's 1.9, with the biggest gap on startup ecosystem. Irkutsk still holds an edge on career opportunities.

Vladivostok's social & community score is ~1.2× Irkutsk's — below average, while Irkutsk lands below average, with the biggest gap on multicultural mix.

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

Irkutsk and Vladivostok score neck-and-neck on family (1.7 vs 1.9, 0–5 scale).

Irkutsk and Vladivostok 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 Vladivostok's 18.4 µg/m³ (sensitive-groups) — Irkutsk breathes ~34% cleaner air (6.2 µg/m³ lower).

Who Thrives Here