Performance
Score Breakdown
Fairbanks
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
58% higher compared to Fairbanks.
Housing costs are a major driver: Fairbanks's average rent is
60% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Fairbanks | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,464 | $917 | +60% |
| Groceries | $550 | $450 | +22% |
| Utilities | $617 | $249 | +148% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $187 | $125 | +50% |
| Monthly Total | $2,938 | $1,861 | +58% |
| Cost Index | 123 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 27% 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 Fairbanks is estimated at
$87,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Fairbanks | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $56,940 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $87,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 46,293 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $73,534 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Fairbanks | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Fairbanks has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
Elyria scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Elyria leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Fairbanks | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of Fairbanks.
From a growth perspective, Fairbanks 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 | Fairbanks | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 31,282 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 29.0 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Fairbanks
Advantages
Average rent in Fairbanks is 20% lower than the national average, making it more affordable for renters.
The housing market is a strong seller's market, with homes selling for 102.11% of the asking price in March 2026.
Job growth is forecasted at 0.8% for 2026, with significant growth in healthcare and transportation sectors.
Fairbanks offers unparalleled access to outdoor activities and a strong sense of community.
The median age of 29 years indicates a relatively young and dynamic population.
Drawbacks
The overall cost of living in Fairbanks is 23% higher than the national average.
Utility prices are significantly higher, approximately 112% above the national average.
Grocery prices are 23% higher than the national average.
The city's population is projected to decline by -0.59% annually.
Government jobs are forecasted to decline, impacting a significant employment sector.
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.
Fairbanks
#68Alaska, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,464
Avg Salary
$56,940
Cost Index
123
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
72
Business
65
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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