Performance
Score Breakdown
Kansas City
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
20% higher compared to Kansas City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Kansas City's average rent is
34% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Kansas City | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,231 | $917 | +34% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $249 | -28% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $125 | +100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,231 | $1,861 | +20% |
| Cost Index | 89 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Kansas City offers similar average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Kansas City delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Kansas City is estimated at
$50,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Kansas City | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $50,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 87,640 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $56,120 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Kansas City | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Elyria scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Kansas City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Kansas City | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 32.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Kansas City is the larger city
— approximately 2.9x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Kansas City 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 | Kansas City | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 155,438 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | % |
| Median Age | 34.0 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kansas City
Advantages
Affordable cost of living, with housing, groceries, and healthcare generally below national averages.
Strong job market with diverse opportunities in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
Home to nationally recognized healthcare facilities, including The University of Kansas Hospital, consistently ranked as a top hospital.
Vibrant cultural scene, known for its rich jazz heritage and world-famous barbecue.
Relatively quick commute times compared to other major urban areas.
Drawbacks
Limited public transportation options, leading to high car dependency.
Unpredictable weather with cold winters, hot and humid summers, and a risk of tornadoes.
Lower walkability score compared to more pedestrian-friendly cities.
Certain areas experience higher violent crime rates, which can be a concern for residents.
The city is landlocked, lacking easy access to beaches or mountains.
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.
Kansas City
#21Kansas, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,231
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
89
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
25.0/10
Walkability
32.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
68
Business
75
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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