Performance
Score Breakdown
Hamilton Township
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
33% higher compared to Hamilton Township.
Housing costs are a major driver: Hamilton Township's average rent is
135% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Hamilton Township | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,151 | $917 | +135% |
| Groceries | $0 | $450 | -100% |
| Utilities | $315 | $249 | +27% |
| Transport | $0 | $120 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $125 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,466 | $1,861 | +33% |
| Cost Index | 114 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 100% lower average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Hamilton Township is estimated at
$79,392 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Hamilton Township | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $0 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $79,392 | $30,516 |
| Household Income | $100,771 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Hamilton Township | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Hamilton Township.
Hamilton Township scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Hamilton Township leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Hamilton Township | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 72.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Hamilton Township is the larger city
— approximately 1.8x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Hamilton Township 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 | Hamilton Township | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 94,267 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.20% | % |
| Median Age | 42.0 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Hamilton Township
Advantages
Affordable housing with good value compared to other regional options in New Jersey.
Strong sense of community with numerous parks, recreational facilities, and annual events.
Strategic location offering easy access to major cities like New York City and Philadelphia via road and public transit.
Lower municipal property taxes compared to neighboring towns in Mercer County.
Recognized as a "Healthy Town Gold Level" for its commitment to community health and wellness programs.
Drawbacks
Some residents desire more diverse dining and nightlife options.
Concerns about motor vehicle enforcement and reckless driving in certain areas.
Infrastructure improvements, such as addressing potholes, are desired by residents.
Limited public transportation options beyond key bus routes and the train station, leading to car dependency for many errands.
Average rent prices are higher than the national average.
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.
Hamilton Township
#21New Jersey, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,151
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
114
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
72.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
75
Business
68
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 Hamilton Township and Elyria.
Open Cost Calculator