City Comparison
Salt Lake City vs Elyria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Salt Lake City scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Salt Lake City
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
55% higher compared to Salt Lake City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Salt Lake City's average rent is
75% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Salt Lake City | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,606 | $917 | +75% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $315 | $249 | +27% |
| Transport | $376 | $120 | +213% |
| Healthcare | $135 | $125 | +8% |
| Monthly Total | $2,882 | $1,861 | +55% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 19% 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 Salt Lake City is estimated at
$65,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Salt Lake City | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,823 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,831 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $75,090 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Salt Lake City runs warmer on average — a 55.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Salt Lake City comes out ahead with 295 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Salt Lake City sees 46.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Salt Lake City | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 55.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 91.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 26.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 25.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 46.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 295 | |
| Humidity | 55.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Salt Lake City scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Salt Lake City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Salt Lake City | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 55.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 22.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Salt Lake City is the larger city
— approximately 4.2x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Salt Lake City is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
| Metric | Salt Lake City | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 222,706 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.96% | % |
| Median Age | 32.9 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.40% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Salt Lake City
Advantages
Exceptional access to outdoor recreation, including world-class skiing and hiking, is available within a short drive.
The job market is thriving, particularly in tech, healthcare, and professional services, with a 1.3% job growth rate in 2025.
Salt Lake City boasts a vibrant cultural scene, including a lively downtown, diverse dining, and arts.
Utilities costs are approximately 16% lower than the national average, helping to offset other expenses.
The city has a relatively young median age of 32.9 years, contributing to a dynamic and active community.
Drawbacks
The cost of living is higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing expenses which are 20% more expensive.
Salt Lake City experiences periods of poor air quality, especially during winter inversions.
Traffic congestion is a notable issue, and public transportation options are considered limited, leading to medium car dependency.
The median household income, while competitive, is lower than the state average.
The city's rapid growth has led to increased demand for housing and infrastructure, contributing to affordability challenges.
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.
Salt Lake City
#65Utah, USA
61.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,606
Avg Salary
$62,823
Cost Index
105
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
295/yr
Avg Temp
55.50°F
Pop. Growth
1.96%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
76
Business
72
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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