Performance
Score Breakdown
Columbia
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
71% higher compared to Columbia.
Housing costs are a major driver: Columbia's average rent is
126% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Columbia | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,069 | $917 | +126% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $295 | $249 | +18% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $125 | +100% |
| Monthly Total | $3,184 | $1,861 | +71% |
| Cost Index | 130 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 10% 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 Columbia is estimated at
$85,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Columbia | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $70,370 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $85,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 54,131 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $131,490 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Columbia | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Columbia.
Columbia scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Columbia leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Columbia | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Columbia is the larger city
— approximately 2x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Columbia is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Columbia has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Columbia | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,315 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.45% | % |
| Median Age | 39.4 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 2.60% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Columbia
Advantages
Columbia was ranked the 8th safest American city in 2024 by WalletHub.
The median household income in Columbia is $131,490 (2024), significantly higher than the national average.
The city boasts an extensive network of 94 miles of pathways and 3,600 acres of open space, promoting walkability and outdoor activities.
Columbia was named Maryland's 'Happiest City' for 2026 by WalletHub, reflecting high emotional and physical well-being.
Access to high-quality healthcare is provided by the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center and other facilities.
Drawbacks
The overall cost of living in Columbia is 30% higher than the national average, primarily driven by high housing costs.
Housing expenses are 91% higher than the national average, making homeownership and renting expensive.
Columbia's overall crime rate is estimated to be 32% above the national average as of 2026, with a safety grade of C-.
Maryland's new business applications fell by 6% in 2024, indicating a slowdown in new business creation.
Major parkways like Snowden River Parkway and Broken Land Parkway experience fast-moving and congested traffic.
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.
Columbia
#5Maryland, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,069
Avg Salary
$70,370
Cost Index
130
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.45%
Unemployment
2.60%
Livability
82
Business
70
Elyria
#14Ohio, 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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