Performance
Score Breakdown
Kunming
Toledo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Kunming is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
66% lower compared to Toledo.
Housing costs are a major driver: Kunming's average rent is
75% lower than Toledo's.
| Metric | Kunming | Toledo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $234 | $950 | -75% |
| Groceries | $187 | $342 | -45% |
| Utilities | $53 | $295 | -82% |
| Transport | $37 | $180 | -79% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $200 | -25% |
| Monthly Total | $661 | $1,967 | -66% |
| Cost Index | 31 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Toledo offers 73% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Toledo delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Kunming is estimated at
$10,368 vs $52,000 in Toledo.
| Metric | Kunming | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $19,261 | $71,000 |
| Salary Needed | $10,368 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 62,132 idx | 74,737 idx |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Kunming | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 71.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Toledo has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
10,000 minutes (167 hours) per year compared to Kunming.
Toledo scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Toledo leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Kunming | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 40 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 46.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Kunming is the larger city
— approximately 22.7x the population of Toledo.
From a growth perspective, Kunming is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Toledo has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Kunming | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,061,121 | 267,463 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.21% | % |
| Median Age | 35.8 | |
| Unemployment | 4.62% | 4.40% |
| GDP | $128.1B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kunming
Advantages
Kunming boasts a mild, spring-like climate year-round, earning it the nickname "City of Eternal Spring."
The cost of living in Kunming is relatively affordable compared to other major Chinese cities, with average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in the city center at $234 as of August 2026.
The city has a high safety index of 85 as of 2026, indicating a very secure living environment.
Kunming is a significant economic and transportation hub, serving as a gateway to Southeast and South Asia.
The city is a major center for scientific research and education, listed among the top 100 cities globally for scientific research output in 2024.
Drawbacks
Specific, up-to-date data for certain metrics like median household income, unemployment rate, and median age for Kunming are not readily available from reliable sources.
While public transport is available, detailed transit and walkability scores are not widely published.
The average individual salary in Kunming, while covering living expenses, is lower than in some first-tier Chinese cities.
Summer months experience frequent and heavy rainfall, which can impact outdoor activities.
Despite its mild climate, winter nights can experience freezing temperatures, and occasional freak snowfalls can occur.
Toledo
Advantages
Toledo offers a significantly affordable cost of living, approximately 5% lower than the national average.
The city boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, highlighted by the world-class Toledo Museum of Art.
Residents have excellent access to nature and outdoor recreation through the extensive Metroparks system, the Maumee River, and Lake Erie.
Toledo has seen significant economic development and business investment, ranking among the top 10 nationally in 2024.
The average commute time in Toledo is relatively short at 19.8 minutes, easing daily travel for residents.
Drawbacks
Toledo has a high violent crime rate, which is significantly above the national average.
The city experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and notable snowfall.
Toledo's infrastructure, particularly its roads, is often cited as being in poor condition.
Job opportunities in some high-growth sectors may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Public transportation options in Toledo are considered limited, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Kunming
#1Yunnan, China
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$234
Avg Salary
$19,261
Cost Index
31
Commute
40 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.21%
Unemployment
4.62%
Livability
74
Business
68
Toledo
#65Ohio, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$71,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
46.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
68
Business
75
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