Performance
Score Breakdown
Flint
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Flint is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
49% lower compared to Elyria.
| Metric | Flint | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $950 | $917 | +4% |
| Groceries | $0 | $450 | -100% |
| Utilities | $0 | $249 | -100% |
| Transport | $0 | $120 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $125 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $950 | $1,861 | -49% |
| Cost Index | 78 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 69% 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 Flint is estimated at
$35,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Flint | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $23,997 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $35,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 30,765 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $37,646 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Flint | 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
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Flint scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Flint leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Flint | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 50.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Flint is the larger city
— approximately 1.5x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Flint 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 | Flint | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 80,175 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 36.9 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 13.10% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Flint
Advantages
The cost of living in Flint is significantly lower than the national average, making it highly affordable.
Housing costs, including both rent and property values, are considerably more affordable in Flint compared to many other U.S. cities.
Flint is home to important cultural institutions like the Flint Cultural Center, offering artistic and educational attractions.
The city has a strong healthcare infrastructure with three major regional hospitals providing comprehensive medical services.
Employment in Flint saw a growth rate of 2.45% from 2023 to 2024, indicating some positive job market movement.
Drawbacks
Flint has a very high crime rate, with a safety score of 18/100 and violent crime rates significantly above the national average in 2024.
The unemployment rate in Flint was 13.1% in 2026, which is considerably higher than the national average.
A substantial portion of Flint's population, 34.1% in 2024, lives below the poverty line.
Concerns about water quality persist among residents, as highlighted in 2024 community surveys.
The city has experienced a long-term population decline, with the metropolitan area decreasing by 5.3% between 2010 and 2024.
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.
Flint
#18Michigan, USA
74.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$23,997
Cost Index
78
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
50.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
13.10%
Livability
74
Business
0
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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