City Comparison
Darfield vs Elyria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Darfield scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Darfield
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Darfield is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
34% lower than in Elyria.
Housing costs are a major driver: Darfield's average rent is
59% lower than Elyria's.
| Metric | Darfield | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $380 | $917 | -59% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $170 | $249 | -32% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $100 | $125 | -20% |
| Monthly Total | $1,220 | $1,861 | -34% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 33% 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 Darfield is estimated at
$45,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Darfield | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 56,522 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $58,000 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Darfield runs warmer on average — a 52.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Darfield comes out ahead with 233 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Darfield sees 1.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Darfield | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 52.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 51.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 50.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 42.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 1.40 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 233 | |
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Darfield.
For walkability, Darfield leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Darfield | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 35 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 62.0/100 | 13.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Darfield.
From a growth perspective, Darfield 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 | Darfield | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,850 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.50% | — |
| Median Age | 39.0 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 3.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Darfield
Advantages
Tranquil rural-suburban atmosphere with strong community engagement per Selwyn District Council reports
Close proximity to Christchurch providing access to major metropolitan amenities
Gateway location to Canterbury's premier outdoor recreation and ski fields
Lower crime rates and high safety profile compared to major urban centers
Growing selection of modern housing developments and spacious sections
Drawbacks
High reliance on private vehicles for commuting and daily transport
Limited public transport links connecting to Christchurch
Rising housing and property costs driven by regional growth
Limited local rental housing inventory
Distance from major specialized healthcare facilities requiring travel to Christchurch
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.
Darfield
#5Canterbury, New Zealand
69.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$380
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
35 min
Transit Score
30.0/100
Walkability
62.0/100
Sunny Days
233/yr
Avg Temp
52.70°F
Pop. Growth
2.50%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
78
Business
65
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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