City Comparison
Cedar Rapids vs Elyria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Cedar Rapids scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Cedar Rapids
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
14% higher compared to Cedar Rapids.
Housing costs are a major driver: Cedar Rapids's average rent is
23% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Cedar Rapids | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,126 | $917 | +23% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $249 | -28% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $125 | +100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,126 | $1,861 | +14% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cedar Rapids offers 14% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Cedar Rapids delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Cedar Rapids is estimated at
$55,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Cedar Rapids | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $89,087 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 98,986 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $70,424 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Cedar Rapids runs warmer on average — a 51.2°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Cedar Rapids comes out ahead with 266 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Cedar Rapids sees 23.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Cedar Rapids | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.20°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 14.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 36.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 23.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 266 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Cedar Rapids has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
Cedar Rapids scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Cedar Rapids leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Cedar Rapids | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Cedar Rapids is the larger city
— approximately 2.6x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Cedar Rapids is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Elyria has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Cedar Rapids | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,264 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | % |
| Median Age | 37.3 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Cedar Rapids
Advantages
Significantly lower cost of living compared to the national average, with housing being a major contributor.
Affordable housing market with a median home price well below the national average and a competitive market for sellers.
Strong and growing economy with significant private investments in data centers and manufacturing, creating job opportunities.
Low crime rates and a strong safety profile, with violent crime rates below the national average.
High quality of life with well-run city services, a focus on community, and national recognition for livability and affordability.
Drawbacks
Car dependency is high, as public transportation and walkability scores are moderate, making personal vehicles essential for most residents.
While growing, the job market may not offer the same high-paying specialized roles found in larger metropolitan areas, though specific high-paying sectors like healthcare exist.
The city's economy, while growing, is heavily influenced by manufacturing and agriculture, which can be subject to broader economic fluctuations.
Despite overall affordability, rent-to-income ratios can be a concern for some households, with a significant portion of income potentially allocated to housing.
The city has experienced natural disasters, such as the 2020 derecho, which, while demonstrating resilience, can impact infrastructure and community well-being.
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.
Cedar Rapids
#29Iowa, USA
66.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,126
Avg Salary
$89,087
Cost Index
90
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
266/yr
Avg Temp
51.20°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
Elyria
#141Ohio, USA
47.7 / 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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