City Comparison
Polson vs Elyria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Polson scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Polson
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
45% higher compared to Polson.
Housing costs are a major driver: Polson's average rent is
91% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Polson | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,750 | $917 | +91% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $249 | -28% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $125 | +100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,700 | $1,861 | +45% |
| Cost Index | 101 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 17% 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 Polson is estimated at
$55,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Polson | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 64,356 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $53,418 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Polson runs warmer on average — a 48.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Polson comes out ahead with 248 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Polson sees 46.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Polson | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 48.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 79.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 21.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 23.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 46.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 248 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Polson has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
Polson scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Polson leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Polson | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 27.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Polson.
From a growth perspective, Polson is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Polson has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Polson | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,428 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.05% | % |
| Median Age | 43.0 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $61.9B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Polson
Advantages
Stunning natural beauty with proximity to Flathead Lake and outdoor recreational activities.
Growing economy supported by tourism, agriculture, and small-scale manufacturing.
Affordable cost of living compared to the national average, with housing costs on par.
Strong community spirit and family-friendly neighborhoods.
Montana's favorable tax environment with no state income tax.
Drawbacks
Car-dependent with limited public transportation options.
Housing market shows rapid rent acceleration and high median listing prices.
Weather can be unpredictable.
Poverty rate of 17.5% in 2024.
Job growth has seen a slight decline in recent years.
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.
Polson
#57Montana, USA
62.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
101
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
27.0/10
Sunny Days
248/yr
Avg Temp
48.10°F
Pop. Growth
2.05%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
74
Business
68
Elyria
#141Ohio, USA
47.7 / 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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