Performance
Score Breakdown
Elyria
Las Cruces
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
6% lower compared to Las Cruces.
Housing costs are a major driver: Elyria's average rent is
14% lower than Las Cruces's.
| Metric | Elyria | Las Cruces | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $917 | $1,068 | -14% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $249 | $198 | +26% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $125 | $150 | -17% |
| Monthly Total | $1,861 | $1,986 | -6% |
| Cost Index | 94 | 91 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 48% higher 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 Elyria is estimated at
$30,516 vs $64,000 in Las Cruces.
| Metric | Elyria | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $52,790 |
| Salary Needed | $30,516 | $64,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 82,979 idx | 58,011 idx |
| Household Income | $54,945 | $55,422 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Elyria | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 4.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Las Cruces has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
For walkability, Las Cruces leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Elyria | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 13.0/10 | 34.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Las Cruces is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Las Cruces 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 | Elyria | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 53,634 | 116,998 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.99% |
| Median Age | 39.4 | 33.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.40% | 4.50% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
Las Cruces
Advantages
The cost of living in Las Cruces is significantly lower than the national average, particularly for housing and utilities. [9, 10, 35, 39]
Las Cruces offers a pleasant climate with abundant sunshine, ideal for outdoor activities year-round. [4, 8, 12 in previous search, 28 in previous search]
The city has a thriving job market with consistent growth in key sectors like healthcare, education, and government. [4, 5, 7, 13, 17, 40]
Las Cruces was ranked 9th among small cities for overall economic growth in a 2025 study, indicating strong economic momentum. [29, 41]
The community is known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. [8, 24 in previous search, 30 in previous search]
Drawbacks
Las Cruces has a high crime rate, with violent crime reported to be 68% higher and property crime 153% higher than the national average in 2024. [20]
The city is largely car-dependent, with limited public transit options and a low walkability score. [10, 11, 22]
Some residents report challenges with the quality and access to medical specialists and addiction treatment services. [8, 44 in previous search, 45 in previous search]
Average hourly earnings in Las Cruces are lower than the national average. [41 in previous search, 17]
Traffic congestion can lead to annual delays for drivers. [43 in previous search]
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
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
Las Cruces
#21New Mexico, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,068
Avg Salary
$52,790
Cost Index
91
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
34.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.99%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
78
Business
70
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