City Comparison
Dunfermline vs Elyria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Dunfermline scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Dunfermline
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
16% lower than in Dunfermline.
Housing costs are a major driver: Dunfermline's average rent is
42% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Dunfermline | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,300 | $917 | +42% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $200 | $249 | -20% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $125 | +60% |
| Monthly Total | $2,220 | $1,861 | +19% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 42% 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 Dunfermline is estimated at
$38,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Dunfermline | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $45,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $38,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 51,136 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $46,000 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Dunfermline runs warmer on average — a 49.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Dunfermline comes out ahead with 214 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Dunfermline sees 7.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Dunfermline | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 49.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 66.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 35.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 38.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 7.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 214 | |
| Humidity | 78.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Dunfermline.
Dunfermline scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Dunfermline leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Dunfermline | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 60.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 68.0/100 | 13.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dunfermline is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Dunfermline 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 | Dunfermline | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 58,000 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.40% | — |
| Median Age | 40.0 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 3.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Dunfermline
Advantages
Median property prices are significantly more affordable than in neighboring Edinburgh, offering better value for home buyers.
Extensive green spaces like Pittencrieff Park provide exceptional recreational opportunities right in the town center.
Excellent rail and road links via the M90 and Fife Circle line make commuting to Edinburgh efficient.
Rich historical heritage, including Dunfermline Abbey and Palace, creates a unique and character-filled living environment.
Family-friendly suburban areas like Duloch feature strong local schools and community amenities.
Drawbacks
Peak-hour traffic congestion can be heavy on approaches to the Queensferry Crossing and local arterial routes.
Local retail in the historic town center faces competition from out-of-town retail parks and online shopping.
Dependence on Edinburgh for specialized employment and high-end entertainment limits local high-value job options.
Public transport options late at night or on rural Fife routes can be limited for non-drivers.
Weather patterns include frequent overcast days and moderate annual rainfall typical of the Scottish climate.
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.
Dunfermline
#3Scotland, UK
66.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,300
Avg Salary
$45,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
60.0/100
Walkability
68.0/100
Sunny Days
214/yr
Avg Temp
49.50°F
Pop. Growth
1.40%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
76
Business
68
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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