Performance
Score Breakdown
Alexandria
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
4% higher compared to Alexandria.
| Metric | Alexandria | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $974 | $917 | +6% |
| Groceries | $395 | $450 | -12% |
| Utilities | $226 | $249 | -9% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $125 | +76% |
| Monthly Total | $1,935 | $1,861 | +4% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 36% 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 Alexandria is estimated at
$38,952 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Alexandria | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $50,107 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $38,952 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 54,464 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $47,113 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Alexandria | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 73.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Alexandria 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 | Alexandria | 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 | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Alexandria.
From a growth perspective, Alexandria 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 | Alexandria | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 44,060 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 37.6 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Alexandria
Advantages
The overall cost of living in Alexandria is 8% lower than the national average, primarily due to significantly lower housing expenses.
Housing costs are 26% lower than the national average, with a median home price of $175,000 in May 2026.
The average commute time is relatively short at 17.4 minutes, contributing to a better work-life balance.
Alexandria is a regional healthcare hub with at least four major hospitals, and healthcare costs are 11% lower than the national average.
The city's economy is diverse, with a 3.32% job growth rate between 2023 and 2024.
Drawbacks
Alexandria has a very high violent crime rate, 671% above the national average, resulting in an 'F' safety grade.
The city's population is projected to decline by 1.3% annually, indicating a negative growth trend.
Summers are consistently hot, humid, and often described as oppressive.
A significant portion of the population, 27%, lives below the poverty line as of 2024.
The city exhibits high car dependency, with 77.7% of residents driving alone to work.
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.
Alexandria
#134Louisiana, USA
55.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$974
Avg Salary
$50,107
Cost Index
92
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
50
Business
60
Elyria
#16Ohio, 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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