Performance
Score Breakdown
Davenport
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
1% higher compared to Davenport.
| Metric | Davenport | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $902 | $917 | -2% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $260 | $249 | +4% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $125 | +60% |
| Monthly Total | $1,882 | $1,861 | +1% |
| Cost Index | 91 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 50% 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 Davenport is estimated at
$67,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Davenport | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $38,673 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $67,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 42,498 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $66,200 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Davenport | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 69.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Davenport has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
Elyria scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Davenport leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Davenport | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 44.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Davenport is the larger city
— approximately 1.9x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Davenport 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 | Davenport | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 100,913 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 37.5 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Davenport
Advantages
The cost of living in Davenport is 9% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Davenport boasts a shorter average commute time of 19.4 minutes compared to the national average, saving residents time.
The city offers award-winning healthcare systems and has 11 hospitals, ensuring good access to medical care.
Davenport provides extensive recreational opportunities with over 50 parks and 20 miles of trails for various outdoor activities.
The housing market is affordable, with a median home sale price of $190,000 in June 2026, which is 46% lower than the national average.
Drawbacks
Davenport's crime rates are 168% higher than the Iowa average, indicating significant safety concerns.
Population growth in Davenport has been relatively flat since 1980, hovering around 100,000 residents.
The city has limited public transit options and a low walkability score of 44, leading to a medium to high car dependency for most errands.
Despite some growing sectors, overall job growth in the Quad Cities metro area has been mixed, with recent job losses in some months of 2026.
Davenport experiences cold and snowy winters, with average low temperatures around 15°F in January.
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.
Davenport
#64Iowa, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$902
Avg Salary
$38,673
Cost Index
91
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
44.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
70
Business
65
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Davenport and Elyria.
Open Cost Calculator