City Comparison
Potsdam-Mittelmark vs Elyria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Potsdam-Mittelmark scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Potsdam-Mittelmark
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
20% lower than in Potsdam-Mittelmark.
Housing costs are a major driver: Potsdam-Mittelmark's average rent is
47% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Potsdam-Mittelmark | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,350 | $917 | +47% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $230 | $249 | -8% |
| Transport | $95 | $120 | -21% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $125 | +76% |
| Monthly Total | $2,315 | $1,861 | +24% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 31% 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 Potsdam-Mittelmark is estimated at
$48,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Potsdam-Mittelmark | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $54,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 55,102 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $58,000 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Potsdam-Mittelmark | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 72.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,500 minutes (92 hours) per year compared to Potsdam-Mittelmark.
Potsdam-Mittelmark scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Potsdam-Mittelmark leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Potsdam-Mittelmark | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 34 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 62.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 13.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Potsdam-Mittelmark is the larger city
— approximately 4.2x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Potsdam-Mittelmark 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 | Potsdam-Mittelmark | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 223,318 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | — |
| Median Age | 43.0 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 5.20% | 3.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Potsdam-Mittelmark
Advantages
Strategic location completely surrounding Potsdam and bordering Berlin, offering excellent commuter connectivity
Extensive natural beauty including the High Fläming Nature Park and numerous lakes
Significantly lower crime rates and higher safety profile compared to major German urban centers
Growing local economy supported by tourism, tech clusters, and strong regional infrastructure
High concentration of family-friendly neighborhoods with excellent schools and green spaces
Drawbacks
Rising rental and real estate prices driven by high demand from Berlin and Potsdam commuters
Increased traffic congestion on key arterial roads during peak commuting hours
Higher reliance on personal vehicles for daily errands in the more rural southern parts of the district
Limited nightlife and entertainment options directly within smaller rural municipalities
Competitive rental market making it challenging to secure affordable housing quickly
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.
Potsdam-Mittelmark
#51Brandenburg, Germany
62.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,350
Avg Salary
$54,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
34 min
Transit Score
62.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
5.20%
Livability
82
Business
70
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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