Performance
Score Breakdown
Douai
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Douai is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
10% lower compared to Elyria.
Housing costs are a major driver: Douai's average rent is
18% lower than Elyria's.
| Metric | Douai | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $750 | $917 | -18% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $185 | $249 | -26% |
| Transport | $90 | $120 | -25% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $125 | +100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,675 | $1,861 | -10% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 55% 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 Douai is estimated at
$30,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Douai | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $35,387 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $30,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 37,249 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $32,000 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Douai | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 78.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Douai.
Douai scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Douai leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Douai | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 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 | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Douai.
From a growth perspective, Douai 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 | Douai | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 40,250 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.25% | % |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 7.30% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Douai
Advantages
Douai's historic belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering cultural and architectural significance.
The city offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to the French national average, with competitive rental prices.
Douai is well-connected by train to major cities like Lille and Paris, facilitating travel and commuting.
The city has a vibrant cultural scene, including the traditional Gayant giants festival, which is a UNESCO-recognized tradition.
Douai benefits from its location on the River Scarpe, offering pleasant waterfront areas for recreation and relaxation.
Drawbacks
The unemployment rate in Douai has historically been higher than the national average.
Public transport reliability can be an issue, with reports of delays on train lines and less reliable bus services in surrounding villages.
While generally safe, some areas may have higher crime rates, and the city's safety index is noted as 44 by one source.
The city's economy has faced challenges due to the decline of traditional industries like coal mining and textiles.
Nightlife options in Douai are limited, with 'nothing or almost nothing' reported by some residents.
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.
Douai
#9Hauts-de-France, France
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$750
Avg Salary
$35,387
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.25%
Unemployment
7.30%
Livability
72
Business
65
Elyria
#16Ohio, 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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