Performance
Score Breakdown
General Santos
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
General Santos is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
62% lower compared to Elyria.
Housing costs are a major driver: General Santos's average rent is
81% lower than Elyria's.
| Metric | General Santos | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $177 | $917 | -81% |
| Groceries | $300 | $450 | -33% |
| Utilities | $100 | $249 | -60% |
| Transport | $80 | $120 | -33% |
| Healthcare | $50 | $125 | -60% |
| Monthly Total | $707 | $1,861 | -62% |
| Cost Index | 35 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 91% 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 General Santos is estimated at
$14,400 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | General Santos | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $7,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $14,400 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 20,000 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $12,000 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | General Santos | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to General Santos.
General Santos scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, General Santos leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | General Santos | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 35 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 55.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
General Santos is the larger city
— approximately 13.5x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, General Santos 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 | General Santos | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 722,059 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.84% | % |
| Median Age | 24.0 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
General Santos
Advantages
Renowned as the "Tuna Capital of the Philippines," boasting a significant global presence in the fishing industry.
A major agricultural hub, producing a variety of export-quality goods and livestock.
Offers a relatively low cost of living, making it an affordable place to reside compared to other Philippine cities.
Serves as a key economic and industrial center, acting as a gateway to southern Mindanao.
Recognized for its well-planned urban layout, contributing to smoother traffic flow and efficient development.
Drawbacks
Susceptible to natural disasters, as evidenced by the mention of the 2026 Mindanao earthquake.
Faces traffic congestion in key areas, particularly during peak hours and market days.
Beaches in close proximity to the city are noted as not being ideal due to potential pollution.
While improving, high-skilled job opportunities may be less diverse compared to larger metropolitan centers.
Internet speeds, though improving with fiber optic availability, were historically noted as slow in some areas.
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.
General Santos
#4Mindanao, Philippines
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$177
Avg Salary
$7,000
Cost Index
35
Commute
35 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.84%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
70
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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