Performance
Score Breakdown
Indianapolis
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
57% higher compared to Indianapolis.
Housing costs are a major driver: Indianapolis's average rent is
22% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,123 | $917 | +22% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $327 | $249 | +31% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $900 | $125 | +620% |
| Monthly Total | $2,920 | $1,861 | +57% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 3% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Indianapolis delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Indianapolis is estimated at
$55,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $76,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 84,444 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $66,219 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 73.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Elyria scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Indianapolis leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 31.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 29.36 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Indianapolis is the larger city
— approximately 17x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Indianapolis is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 910,638 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.33% | % |
| Median Age | 34.3 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.40% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Indianapolis
Advantages
The cost of living in Indianapolis is approximately 10.3% lower than the national average, making it a highly affordable city.
Indianapolis boasts a diverse and growing job market, particularly in Healthcare & Life Sciences, Logistics, and Advanced Manufacturing.
The average commute time in Central Indiana is relatively short at 24.6 minutes, contributing to a better work-life balance.
The city has a thriving sports and hospitality sector, attracting major events and offering numerous entertainment options.
Housing inventory is increasing, providing more options for buyers, and median home prices remain competitive.
Drawbacks
Indianapolis has a higher crime rate compared to many U.S. cities, with a BaseScore of 44/100 and a safety index indicating it's safer than only 3% of American cities.
The city is largely car-dependent, with limited walkability and public transit options outside of the downtown core.
The average salary in Indianapolis, at $76,000 annually, is lower than the national average.
Rental prices have experienced rapid growth in recent years, impacting affordability for some residents.
Traffic congestion is increasing, leading to more time lost in traffic for commuters.
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.
Indianapolis
#64Indiana, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,123
Avg Salary
$76,000
Cost Index
90
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
31.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.33%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
74
Business
70
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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