City Comparison
Chula Vista vs Elyria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Elyria scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Chula Vista
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
53% lower than in Chula Vista.
Housing costs are a major driver: Chula Vista's average rent is
216% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Chula Vista | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,900 | $917 | +216% |
| Groceries | $480 | $450 | +7% |
| Utilities | $210 | $249 | -16% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $260 | $125 | +108% |
| Monthly Total | $4,000 | $1,861 | +115% |
| Cost Index | 138 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Chula Vista offers similar 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 Chula Vista is estimated at
$68,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Chula Vista | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $68,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 56,522 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $108,032 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Chula Vista runs warmer on average — a 63.2°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Chula Vista comes out ahead with 316 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Chula Vista sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Chula Vista | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 63.20°F | °F |
| Summer High | 74.70°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 49.20°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 18.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 316 | |
| Humidity | 62.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Chula Vista.
Chula Vista scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Chula Vista leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Chula Vista | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 46.0/100 | 13.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Chula Vista is the larger city
— approximately 5.2x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Chula Vista 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 | Chula Vista | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 276,375 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.60% | — |
| Median Age | 37.1 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 5.10% | 3.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Chula Vista
Advantages
Median household income in Chula Vista stands at $108,032 per the U.S. Census Bureau, reflecting a strong local middle class.
Exceptional climate featuring around 316 sunny days per year and mild year-round temperatures.
Proximity to major employment hubs in San Diego and vibrant binational commercial opportunities at the international border.
World-class recreational infrastructure anchored by the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center and extensive public parks.
Master-planned eastern communities like Otay Ranch offer family-friendly layouts, excellent schools, and low crime rates.
Drawbacks
Average monthly rent of approximately $2,900 creates a substantial barrier for prospective renters.
High average home values near $850,000 make homeownership challenging for median wage earners.
Car dependency is high, yielding a citywide Walk Score of 46 and regular freeway congestion during peak hours.
State and local tax burdens in California rank among the highest in the nation.
Hotter inland summer microclimates in eastern neighborhoods contrast sharply with cooler coastal breezes.
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.
Chula Vista
#527California, USA
50.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,900
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
138
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
46.0/100
Sunny Days
316/yr
Avg Temp
63.20°F
Pop. Growth
0.60%
Unemployment
5.10%
Livability
76
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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