Performance
Score Breakdown
Dalian
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Dalian is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
57% lower compared to Elyria.
Housing costs are a major driver: Dalian's average rent is
56% lower than Elyria's.
| Metric | Dalian | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $403 | $917 | -56% |
| Groceries | $239 | $450 | -47% |
| Utilities | $65 | $249 | -74% |
| Transport | $98 | $120 | -18% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $125 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $805 | $1,861 | -57% |
| Cost Index | 25 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 83% 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 Dalian is estimated at
$12,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Dalian | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $13,224 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $12,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 52,896 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $7,548 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Dalian | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Dalian.
Dalian scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Dalian leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Dalian | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 75.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 70.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 66.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dalian is the larger city
— approximately 139.8x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Dalian 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 | Dalian | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,500,000 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.87% | % |
| Median Age | 40.6 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 5.00% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Dalian
Advantages
Robust industrial base in petrochemicals, automotive, shipbuilding, and high-tech sectors, fostering economic growth and job opportunities.
Recognized as a national innovation city and a benchmark for international business environment, attracting foreign investment and fostering a dynamic business climate.
High quality of life with an appealing urban environment, well-developed infrastructure, and consistently good air quality for over 315 days annually.
A vibrant coastal city offering pleasant summers, scenic beaches, diverse cultural experiences, and a range of outdoor activities.
Serves as a crucial international comprehensive transportation hub with a deep-water port and extensive global shipping connections.
Drawbacks
While public transport is strong, traffic congestion can still be a challenge in certain areas, impacting commute times.
Winters are notably cold and windy, requiring substantial warm clothing for outdoor activities.
Air quality, while generally good, can experience periods of moderate to poor pollution.
Limited specific data for certain economic and social metrics (e.g., median household income, job growth rate) from recent years makes detailed analysis challenging.
The reliability of some crowd-sourced data, such as traffic and transportation habits, may be affected by a low number of contributors.
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.
Dalian
#1Liaoning, China
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$403
Avg Salary
$13,224
Cost Index
25
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
75.0/10
Walkability
70.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.87%
Unemployment
5.00%
Livability
75
Business
70
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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