Performance
Score Breakdown
Wanaka
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Wanaka is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
8% lower compared to Elyria.
Housing costs are a major driver: Wanaka's average rent is
11% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Wanaka | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,021 | $917 | +11% |
| Groceries | $323 | $450 | -28% |
| Utilities | $103 | $249 | -59% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $125 | +20% |
| Monthly Total | $1,717 | $1,861 | -8% |
| Cost Index | 138 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 97% 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 Wanaka is estimated at
$1,864 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Wanaka | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $2,570 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $1,864 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 1,862 idx | 82,979 idx |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Wanaka | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Wanaka.
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 | Wanaka | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 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
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Wanaka.
From a growth perspective, Wanaka 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 | Wanaka | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 14,261 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 4.22% | % |
| Median Age | 36.5 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 5.08% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Wanaka
Advantages
Wanaka is one of the fastest-growing towns in New Zealand, indicating strong economic and population growth.
The town offers a high quality of life with abundant outdoor activities in both summer and winter seasons.
A new $300 million hospital with a 24-hour emergency department has been approved and is under development, significantly improving healthcare access.
Wanaka boasts a high safety index of 89, making it a very secure place to live.
The median after-tax salary in Wanaka is sufficient to cover living expenses for nearly three months.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Wanaka is very high, particularly for housing.
Average house values are substantial, making homeownership a significant financial commitment.
Rental prices are high, with a median weekly rent of $950 NZD (approximately $557 USD) as of June 2026.
Public transportation options are limited, leading to a medium to high car dependency.
While a new hospital is planned, the current healthcare infrastructure may be perceived as needing improvement to keep pace with population growth.
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.
Wanaka
#1Otago, New Zealand
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,021
Avg Salary
$2,570
Cost Index
138
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
4.22%
Unemployment
5.08%
Livability
74
Business
68
Elyria
#15Ohio, 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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Wanaka and Elyria.
Open Cost Calculator