Performance
Score Breakdown
Middletown
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
48% higher compared to Middletown.
Housing costs are a major driver: Middletown's average rent is
88% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Middletown | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,725 | $917 | +88% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $212 | $249 | -15% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $125 | +100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,757 | $1,861 | +48% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Middletown offers 3% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Middletown delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Middletown is estimated at
$65,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Middletown | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $80,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 84,211 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $79,438 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Middletown | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 66.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
For walkability, Middletown leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Middletown | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 28.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.9x the population of Middletown.
From a growth perspective, Middletown 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 | Middletown | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 47,958 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.70% | % |
| Median Age | 38.1 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.70% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Middletown
Advantages
Middletown boasts a significantly lower violent crime rate (62.1 per 100,000 residents in 2024) compared to the national average, making it safer than 71% of cities.
The city's median household income of $79,438 in 2024 is robust, providing a solid economic foundation for residents.
Middletown offers a vibrant downtown with diverse dining, shopping, and cultural attractions, largely influenced by Wesleyan University.
Access to quality healthcare is excellent, with Middlesex Health being a highly-rated hospital serving the community.
The average commute time of 23.3 minutes is shorter than the national average, contributing to a better work-life balance.
Drawbacks
Property crime rates in Middletown are estimated to be 43% higher than the national average, with larceny/theft being a particular concern.
Middletown is largely car-dependent, with an average Walk Score of 28, meaning most errands require a vehicle.
The median home sale price increased by 13.1% year-over-year to $365,000 in June 2026, indicating a competitive and appreciating housing market.
While public transit exists, its coverage and frequency may not be sufficient for all residents, leading to reliance on personal cars.
The city's population growth rate of 0.7% in 2024, while positive, is modest compared to some faster-growing areas.
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.
Middletown
#21Connecticut, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,725
Avg Salary
$80,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
28.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.70%
Unemployment
4.70%
Livability
74
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
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