City Comparison
Pine Bluff vs Elyria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Elyria scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Pine Bluff
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Pine Bluff is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
17% lower than in Elyria.
Housing costs are a major driver: Pine Bluff's average rent is
21% lower than Elyria's.
| Metric | Pine Bluff | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $728 | $917 | -21% |
| Groceries | $340 | $450 | -24% |
| Utilities | $165 | $249 | -34% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $210 | $125 | +68% |
| Monthly Total | $1,553 | $1,861 | -17% |
| Cost Index | 78 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 43% 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 Pine Bluff is estimated at
$38,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Pine Bluff | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $44,500 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $38,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 57,051 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $42,718 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Pine Bluff runs warmer on average — a 65.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Pine Bluff comes out ahead with 259 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Pine Bluff sees 8.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Pine Bluff | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 65.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 91.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 36.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 48.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 8.50 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 259 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 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, Pine Bluff leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Pine Bluff | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 26.0/100 | 13.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of Pine Bluff.
From a growth perspective, Pine Bluff 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 | Pine Bluff | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 38,213 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | — | — |
| Median Age | 37.5 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 7.00% | 3.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Pine Bluff
Advantages
Median home values and average rents are roughly 60% lower than the national average per Zillow and U.S. Census data.
Cost of living index is significantly below the U.S. baseline, providing high purchasing power for essentials.
Abundant outdoor recreational access including the Delta Rivers Nature Center and Arkansas River proximity.
Short average commute times with minimal traffic congestion compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Presence of higher education institutions like the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff enriching community culture.
Drawbacks
Crime rates, particularly property and violent crime indices, trend higher than the national average.
Economic growth and job diversification have faced historical stagnation relative to northwest Arkansas.
Low walkability and limited public transit options require high car dependency for daily tasks.
Higher-than-average poverty rates present ongoing socioeconomic challenges for local development.
Limited high-end entertainment and upscale dining options within city limits.
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.
Pine Bluff
#556Arkansas, USA
47.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$728
Avg Salary
$44,500
Cost Index
78
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
20.0/100
Walkability
26.0/100
Sunny Days
259/yr
Avg Temp
65.90°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
7.00%
Livability
59
Business
52
Elyria
#397Ohio, USA
58.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$917
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
94
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
30.0/100
Walkability
13.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
75
Business
50
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