Performance
Score Breakdown
Phoenix
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 Phoenix.
Housing costs are a major driver: Phoenix's average rent is
63% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Phoenix | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,492 | $917 | +63% |
| Groceries | $426 | $450 | -5% |
| Utilities | $391 | $249 | +57% |
| Transport | $64 | $120 | -47% |
| Healthcare | $380 | $125 | +204% |
| Monthly Total | $2,753 | $1,861 | +48% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 37% 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 Phoenix is estimated at
$52,974 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Phoenix | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $49,356 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,974 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 47,006 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $81,332 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Phoenix | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 14.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Phoenix.
Phoenix scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Phoenix leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Phoenix | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 41.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 31.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Phoenix is the larger city
— approximately 31.3x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Phoenix 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 | Phoenix | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,677,947 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.75% | % |
| Median Age | 34.9 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.00% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Phoenix
Advantages
Phoenix's job market is projected to grow by 0.7% in 2026, outpacing many other regions.
The city ranks as the No. 7 most supportive city in the U.S. for small businesses as of April 2026.
Healthcare costs in Phoenix are 4% lower than the national average.
The average one-way commute time in Phoenix is 26 minutes, slightly less than the U.S. average.
Phoenix experiences abundant sunshine, averaging over 300 days per year.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Phoenix is 5% higher than the national average, primarily due to housing expenses.
Phoenix's overall crime rate, while below the national average, still faces challenges with property crimes like auto theft.
The city has a low walkability score of 41, indicating high car dependency for most errands.
Summers in Phoenix are extremely hot, with average July highs around 105°F.
Traffic congestion in Phoenix resulted in commuters losing 76 hours in 2024, higher than the national average.
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.
Phoenix
#49Arizona, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,492
Avg Salary
$49,356
Cost Index
105
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
42.0/10
Walkability
41.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.75%
Unemployment
4.00%
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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