City Comparison
Rapid City vs Elyria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Rapid City scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Rapid City
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
33% higher compared to Rapid City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Rapid City's average rent is
46% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Rapid City | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,338 | $917 | +46% |
| Groceries | $340 | $450 | -24% |
| Utilities | $285 | $249 | +14% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $366 | $125 | +193% |
| Monthly Total | $2,479 | $1,861 | +33% |
| Cost Index | 99 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 41% 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 Rapid City is estimated at
$50,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Rapid City | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $46,200 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $50,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 46,667 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $70,870 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Rapid City | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 59.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Rapid City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
For walkability, Rapid City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Rapid City | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 40.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Rapid City is the larger city
— approximately 1.6x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Rapid City is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Rapid City has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Rapid City | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 88,067 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.83% | % |
| Median Age | 39.1 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 1.90% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Rapid City
Advantages
Rapid City experienced a significant population growth rate of 1.83% from 2024 to 2025, indicating a thriving community.
The unemployment rate in Rapid City is exceptionally low at 1.9% in 2026, well below the national average, suggesting a strong job market.
Monument Health Rapid City Hospital received an 'A' Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group for Spring 2025, highlighting high standards of patient safety.
The cost of living in Rapid City is slightly lower than the national average, with a cost of living index of 99, making it a relatively affordable place to reside.
Violent crime in Rapid City has seen a 26% decrease since 2020, reaching a five-year low in 2024, reflecting improved public safety efforts.
Drawbacks
Despite improvements, Rapid City's overall crime rate of 46 per one thousand residents is considered high compared to many communities nationwide.
Demand for housing has at times outpaced supply, contributing to rising costs and potential challenges for new residents.
Grocery prices in Rapid City are slightly higher than the national average, impacting everyday household expenses.
Some tourism-affiliated sectors in Rapid City offer lower-than-average wages, which can affect the overall earning potential for a segment of the workforce.
The city exhibits a medium car dependency, with limited public transit options and most residents relying on personal vehicles for commuting.
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.
Rapid City
#91South Dakota, USA
56.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,338
Avg Salary
$46,200
Cost Index
99
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.83%
Unemployment
1.90%
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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