City Comparison
Dodge City vs Elyria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Dodge City scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Dodge City
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Dodge City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
7% lower than in Elyria.
| Metric | Dodge City | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $917 | -7% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $175 | $249 | -30% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $125 | +76% |
| Monthly Total | $1,735 | $1,861 | -7% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 31% 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 Dodge City is estimated at
$45,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Dodge City | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $54,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,364 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $61,200 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Dodge City runs warmer on average — a 57.2°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Dodge City comes out ahead with 283 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Dodge City sees 14.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Dodge City | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.20°F | °F |
| Summer High | 86.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 23.20°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 27.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 14.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 283 | |
| Humidity | 60.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Dodge City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
Dodge City scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Dodge City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Dodge City | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 13.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Dodge City.
From a growth perspective, Dodge City is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Dodge City has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Dodge City | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 27,340 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | — |
| Median Age | 33.5 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 3.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Dodge City
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living are significantly lower than the US national average.
Robust agricultural, manufacturing, and energy sectors provide a stable and resilient local job market.
Short average commute times allow residents to spend less time in traffic and more time on personal pursuits.
Rich cultural heritage, community festivals, and diverse dining options enhance everyday life.
Friendly, family-oriented neighborhoods offer a welcoming and tight-knit community atmosphere.
Drawbacks
Geographic isolation from major metropolitan centers limits access to large-scale urban amenities.
Local climate features windy conditions and occasional severe weather typical of the Great Plains.
Limited public transportation options necessitate car ownership for daily commuting and errands.
Hot summers and cold winters require higher seasonal utility management.
Specialized high-tech or corporate career opportunities are more limited compared to larger cities.
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.
Dodge City
#181Kansas, USA
64.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$54,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
283/yr
Avg Temp
57.20°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
73
Business
67
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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