City Comparison
Bettendorf vs Elyria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Bettendorf scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Bettendorf
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
17% lower than in Bettendorf.
Housing costs are a major driver: Bettendorf's average rent is
47% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Bettendorf | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,350 | $917 | +47% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $170 | $249 | -32% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $125 | +76% |
| Monthly Total | $2,230 | $1,861 | +20% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 13% 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 Bettendorf is estimated at
$52,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Bettendorf | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,913 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $91,500 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Bettendorf runs warmer on average — a 52.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Bettendorf comes out ahead with 270 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Bettendorf sees 20.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Bettendorf | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 52.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 83.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 17.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 29.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 20.50 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 270 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Bettendorf has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
Bettendorf scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Bettendorf leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Bettendorf | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 13.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of Bettendorf.
From a growth perspective, Bettendorf 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 | Bettendorf | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 40,200 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | — |
| Median Age | 41.0 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.60% | 3.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Bettendorf
Advantages
Violent crime rate is significantly lower than the national average per FBI crime data.
Median household income of over $90,000 provides strong purchasing power relative to the local cost of living.
Top-ranked Bettendorf Community School District consistently scores high in state academic evaluations.
Extensive recreational trail system along the Mississippi River enhances daily outdoor lifestyle.
Proximity to the Quad Cities metro area offers big-city amenities with a small-town suburban feel.
Drawbacks
Property tax rates in Iowa are relatively high compared to national averages.
Car dependency is high, with limited public transit options for daily commuting.
Winters feature significant snowfall (20.5 inches annually) and cold temperatures requiring winterization.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options directly within city limits compared to larger metropolitan hubs.
Housing inventory for first-time buyers can be tight during peak real estate seasons.
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.
Bettendorf
#58Iowa, USA
70.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,350
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
270/yr
Avg Temp
52.90°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
3.60%
Livability
79
Business
70
Elyria
#397Ohio, USA
58.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$917
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
94
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
30.0/100
Walkability
13.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
75
Business
50
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