City Comparison
Council Bluffs vs Elyria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Council Bluffs scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Council Bluffs
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
9% lower than in Council Bluffs.
Housing costs are a major driver: Council Bluffs's average rent is
25% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Council Bluffs | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $917 | +25% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $170 | $249 | -32% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $125 | +84% |
| Monthly Total | $2,040 | $1,861 | +10% |
| Cost Index | 91 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 26% 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 Council Bluffs is estimated at
$48,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Council Bluffs | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 63,736 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $62,500 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Council Bluffs runs warmer on average — a 53°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Council Bluffs comes out ahead with 269 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Council Bluffs sees 22.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Council Bluffs | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 53.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 84.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 16.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 30.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 22.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 269 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Council Bluffs has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
Council Bluffs scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Council Bluffs leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Council Bluffs | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 13.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Council Bluffs is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Council Bluffs is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Council Bluffs has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Council Bluffs | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 59,400 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | — |
| Median Age | 38.2 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 3.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Council Bluffs
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living are significantly lower than the national average per Census and Zillow data.
Direct proximity to Omaha, Nebraska provides immediate access to major metropolitan amenities, arts, and employment.
Abundant outdoor recreation options, including Lake Manawa State Park and extensive regional trail networks.
Robust local healthcare infrastructure anchored by CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs and nearby regional medical centers.
Rich historical heritage combined with ongoing modern economic investments and industrial growth.
Drawbacks
Winter weather brings cold temperatures and average snowfall requiring active seasonal maintenance.
Public transit options are limited compared to major metropolitan cores, creating high reliance on personal vehicles.
Certain commercial and urban areas experience property crime rates slightly above the national median.
Local average wages can lag behind higher-cost metropolitan areas, necessitating commuting for certain specialized careers.
Variable spring weather brings the potential for severe regional storms and weather advisories.
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.
Council Bluffs
#261Iowa, USA
62.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,150
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
91
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
269/yr
Avg Temp
53.00°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
75
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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