Performance
Score Breakdown
Bel Air South
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
69% higher compared to Bel Air South.
Housing costs are a major driver: Bel Air South's average rent is
138% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Bel Air South | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,187 | $917 | +138% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $220 | $249 | -12% |
| Transport | $180 | $120 | +50% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $125 | +20% |
| Monthly Total | $3,137 | $1,861 | +69% |
| Cost Index | 117 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 20% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Elyria delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Bel Air South is estimated at
$65,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Bel Air South | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,200 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 53,162 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $123,653 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Bel Air South | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 80.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Bel Air South.
Elyria scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Bel Air South leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Bel Air South | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 31 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 16.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 22.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Bel Air South is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Bel Air South is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
| Metric | Bel Air South | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 60,008 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.30% | % |
| Median Age | 38.5 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.40% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Bel Air South
Advantages
Bel Air South boasts a high median household income of $123,653 as of 2024, significantly exceeding national averages.
The community has an exceptional Livability Score of 82/100, indicating a high quality of life.
Home prices in Bel Air South have shown strong appreciation, with a 12.5% increase in median home prices by May 2026 compared to the previous year.
The area benefits from a strong job market, particularly in education, healthcare, and the defense/technology sectors due to its proximity to Aberdeen Proving Ground.
Access to comprehensive healthcare facilities like UM Upper Chesapeake Medical Center Bel Air and MedStar Health at Bel Air Medical Center ensures quality medical care.
Drawbacks
Bel Air South's cost of living is estimated to be 17% higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing and utility costs.
The community is highly car-dependent, with low Walk (22/100) and Transit (16/100) scores, indicating minimal public transportation options.
Crime rates in Bel Air South are reported to be 12% higher than the national average, with violent crimes 13% higher.
The violent crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents is significantly higher than the national average of 3.6.
Utility costs, particularly electricity, are higher than both the Maryland and national averages.
Elyria
Advantages
The cost of living in Elyria is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Elyria boasts a high livability score and ample local amenities, including restaurants, grocery stores, and parks.
The city's crime rate is lower than the national average, contributing to a generally safe environment.
Housing in Elyria is notably affordable, with a median property value significantly below the national average.
Elyria offers a strong sense of community and a friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Drawbacks
The employment sector in Elyria has received a low grade, indicating challenges in the job market.
Public transportation options are limited, leading to high car dependency for most residents.
Some residents perceive a lack of nightlife and entertainment options for adults, describing the city as 'boring' for that demographic.
The city faces issues with road quality, including bad streets and potholes.
Shopping opportunities have been noted as dissipating from what was once a booming city.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Bel Air South
#49Maryland, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,187
Avg Salary
$62,200
Cost Index
117
Commute
31 min
Transit Score
16.0/10
Walkability
22.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.30%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
82
Business
75
Elyria
#13Ohio, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$917
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
94
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
13.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
75
Business
50
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