City Comparison
Harrisburg vs Elyria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Harrisburg scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Harrisburg
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
14% higher compared to Harrisburg.
Housing costs are a major driver: Harrisburg's average rent is
38% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Harrisburg | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,265 | $917 | +38% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $249 | -28% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $125 | +20% |
| Monthly Total | $2,115 | $1,861 | +14% |
| Cost Index | 101 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 22% 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 Harrisburg is estimated at
$55,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Harrisburg | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $61,016 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 60,412 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $108,724 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Harrisburg | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Harrisburg has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
Elyria scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Elyria leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Harrisburg | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Harrisburg.
From a growth perspective, Harrisburg is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Harrisburg has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Harrisburg | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,791 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.50% | % |
| Median Age | 31.1 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 0.80% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Harrisburg
Advantages
Harrisburg boasts a very low unemployment rate of 0.8% as of 2026, significantly lower than the national average.
The city has a highly-rated school district, making it attractive for families.
Harrisburg is experiencing rapid population growth, indicating a dynamic and expanding community.
The median household income of $108,724 is well above the national average, reflecting strong economic opportunity.
The average commute time of 19 minutes is shorter than the national average, improving daily convenience for residents.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Harrisburg is slightly higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing costs.
Public transportation options are limited or non-existent, leading to high car dependency.
Walkability scores are low or unavailable, indicating a less pedestrian-friendly environment.
Rapid population growth can place pressure on local infrastructure and resources.
There are no major hospitals directly within Harrisburg, requiring travel to Sioux Falls for comprehensive healthcare.
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.
Harrisburg
#6South Dakota, USA
73.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,265
Avg Salary
$61,016
Cost Index
101
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.50%
Unemployment
0.80%
Livability
80
Business
70
Elyria
#141Ohio, USA
47.7 / 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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