Akumal
Quintana Roo, Mexico
#1 in Mexico
75
Overall Score
VS
Elyria
Ohio, USA
#16 in USA
75
Overall Score
Both cities score equally

Score Breakdown

Akumal
Elyria
Livability
74
75
Affordability
80
94
Business
68
50
Growth
70
45

Cost of Living

Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately 50% higher compared to Akumal. Housing costs are a major driver: Akumal's average rent is 96% higher than Elyria's.
MetricAkumalElyriaDiff
Average Rent
$1,800$917+96%
Groceries
$450$4500%
Utilities
$180$249-28%
Transport
$120$1200%
Healthcare
$250$125+100%
Monthly Total
$2,800$1,861+50%
Cost Index
9594out of 100

Salary & Income

Elyria offers 100% lower average salaries. The minimum comfortable salary in Akumal is estimated at $30,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
MetricAkumalElyria
Average Salary
$0$78,000
Salary Needed
$30,000$30,516

Climate Comparison

Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
MetricAkumalElyria
Avg Temp
°F°F
Summer High
°F°F
Winter Low
°F°F
Rainfall
in in
Snowfall
in in
Sunny Days
Humidity
%70.00%

Commute & Transport

Akumal has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly 1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Elyria. Akumal scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living. For walkability, Akumal leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
MetricAkumalElyria
Commute Time
20 min23 min
Transit Score
50.0/1030.0/10
Walkability
65.0/1013.0/10
Traffic Index
40.0045.00
Car Dependency
MediumHigh

Economy & Demographics

Elyria is the larger city . From a growth perspective, Akumal is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services. On the employment side, Akumal has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
MetricAkumalElyria
Population
2,15453,634
Pop. Growth
1.50%%
Median Age
39.4
Unemployment
2.63%3.40%
GDP
$0.0B$0.0B

Pros & Cons

Akumal
Advantages
Akumal boasts a very low crime rate and is considered exceptionally safe for tourists and residents, with a strong emphasis on community security.
It is globally renowned for its marine life, particularly the sea turtles that inhabit its bays, offering unparalleled opportunities for snorkeling and ecotourism.
The town provides a tranquil and laid-back atmosphere, characterized by its small, walkable size and a slower pace of life, appealing to those seeking relaxation.
Akumal's strategic location on the Riviera Maya allows for easy access to other regional attractions like cenotes and Mayan ruins, while maintaining a peaceful environment.
The short-term rental market is robust and growing, presenting attractive investment opportunities for property owners.
Drawbacks
Healthcare facilities within Akumal are limited to a clinic; serious medical emergencies require travel to larger hospitals in nearby cities.
Long-term rental housing can be scarce due to the high demand and profitability of short-term vacation rentals.
The economy is heavily reliant on tourism, making it potentially vulnerable to fluctuations in the travel industry and external economic shocks.
While the town is walkable, public transportation options are limited, and car dependency is moderate for accessing amenities outside the immediate center or for inter-city travel.
Sargassum seaweed can periodically affect beach conditions, impacting the aesthetic appeal and usability of the coastline.
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.

Dive Deeper

Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.

Akumal
#1
Quintana Roo, Mexico
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
50.0/10
Walkability
65.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.50%
Unemployment
2.63%
Livability
74
Business
68
View Full Profile
Elyria
#16
Ohio, 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
View Full Profile

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