Rotorua logs 180 sunny days a year to Wellington's 226 — Wellington wins by 46. Rotorua also leads on outdoor-dinner months by 4.

Rotorua runs about $2,066/mo for a balanced lifestyle against Wellington's $2,666/mo — Rotorua comes in $600 cheaper each month, roughly 29% less.

On mobility, Wellington scores 3.0 vs Rotorua's 1.4 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on flight connectivity.

Wellington's culture score of 2.6 sits well above Rotorua's 1.8, with the biggest gap on live music venues. Rotorua still holds an edge on history museums.

Rotorua and Wellington score neck-and-neck on nature & outdoors (4.5 vs 4.3, 0–5 scale).

Rotorua and Wellington score neck-and-neck on safety (4.0 vs 3.9, 0–5 scale).

Wellington's career score of 2.9 sits well above Rotorua's 1.4, with the biggest gap on career opportunities.

Wellington's social & community score of 3.7 sits well above Rotorua's 3.2, with the biggest gap on expat-first community. Rotorua still holds an edge on expat integration experience.

On food & dining, Wellington scores 3.6 vs Rotorua's 1.2 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on food delivery.

On family, Wellington scores 2.9 vs Rotorua's 2.0 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on universities. Rotorua still holds an edge on wellness/spa.

On healthcare, Wellington scores 3.0 vs Rotorua's 2.4 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on private healthcare quality.

Rotorua averages 7.1 µg/m³ (good) PM2.5 annually versus Wellington's 6.2 µg/m³ (good) — Wellington breathes ~12% cleaner air (0.9 µg/m³ lower).

Who Thrives Here