Performance
Score Breakdown
Hilo
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
55% higher compared to Hilo.
Housing costs are a major driver: Hilo's average rent is
60% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Hilo | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,466 | $917 | +60% |
| Groceries | $600 | $450 | +33% |
| Utilities | $475 | $249 | +91% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $125 | +60% |
| Monthly Total | $2,891 | $1,861 | +55% |
| Cost Index | 146 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 47% 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 Hilo is estimated at
$98,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Hilo | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $41,708 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $98,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 28,567 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $81,779 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Hilo | 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
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Hilo.
Elyria scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Hilo leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Hilo | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 23.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.9x the population of Hilo.
From a growth perspective, Hilo 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 | Hilo | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 50,404 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.78% | % |
| Median Age | 42.7 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.50% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Hilo
Advantages
Hilo boasts a lush, tropical environment with abundant natural beauty, including waterfalls and volcanic landscapes.
The city is a cultural hub, hosting significant events like the Merrie Monarch Festival, celebrating Hawaiian culture.
The job market in Hilo saw a healthy employment growth rate of 4.88% from 2023 to 2024.
Healthcare and Educational Services are strong and growing industries, offering stable employment opportunities.
The homeownership rate in Hilo is 66.1%, which is higher than the national average.
Drawbacks
The overall cost of living in Hilo is significantly higher than the national average, particularly for housing, utilities, and groceries.
Hilo has a high property crime rate, which is 41% higher than the national average, making residents more susceptible to theft.
Public transportation is minimal and unreliable, making the city largely car-dependent for daily errands and commutes.
Utility costs, especially for electricity, are exceptionally high due to reliance on imported fuel.
The average rent for apartments, particularly 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units, is considerably higher than many mainland cities.
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.
Hilo
#64Hawaii, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,466
Avg Salary
$41,708
Cost Index
146
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
23.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.78%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
70
Business
65
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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