Performance
Score Breakdown
Prince George
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Prince George is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
24% lower compared to Elyria.
Housing costs are a major driver: Prince George's average rent is
18% lower than Elyria's.
| Metric | Prince George | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $748 | $917 | -18% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $176 | $249 | -29% |
| Transport | $44 | $120 | -63% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $125 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,418 | $1,861 | -24% |
| Cost Index | 1633 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 96% 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 Prince George is estimated at
$3,413 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Prince George | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $3,181 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $3,413 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 195 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $104,700 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Prince George | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 57.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Prince George has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
Elyria scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Elyria leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Prince George | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Prince George is the larger city
— approximately 1.4x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Prince George 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 | Prince George | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 76,708 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.90% | % |
| Median Age | 40.0 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 5.48% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Prince George
Advantages
Significantly lower housing costs compared to other major cities in British Columbia, offering substantial savings for residents.
Short average commute times, often around 15-17 minutes, contributing to a better work-life balance.
Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities year-round, including skiing, snowshoeing, and lake activities.
A resilient and diverse economy with strong sectors in forestry, resources, logistics, and healthcare.
Serves as a regional hub for education, healthcare, and government services, providing essential amenities and employment.
Drawbacks
Winters can be harsh with temperatures dropping significantly and substantial snowfall.
Labor market faces challenges due to an aging workforce and shortages in certain skilled trades and healthcare occupations.
Population growth has been modest, with recent stagnation attributed to a decline in non-permanent residents and limited net in-migration.
Competitiveness in industrial sectors needs to be improved relative to Northern Alberta, where land is cheaper and approvals are quicker.
Public transportation system is considered "okay" and car dependency is medium to high for most residents.
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.
Prince George
#13British Columbia, Canada
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$748
Avg Salary
$3,181
Cost Index
1633
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.90%
Unemployment
5.48%
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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