City Comparison
Gainesville vs Elyria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Gainesville scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Gainesville
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
21% lower than in Gainesville.
Housing costs are a major driver: Gainesville's average rent is
58% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Gainesville | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $917 | +58% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $170 | $249 | -32% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $125 | +84% |
| Monthly Total | $2,360 | $1,861 | +27% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 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 Gainesville is estimated at
$50,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Gainesville | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $50,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 60,417 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $53,500 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Gainesville runs warmer on average — a 70.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Gainesville comes out ahead with 243 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Gainesville sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Gainesville | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 70.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 91.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 47.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 36.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 243 | |
| Humidity | 72.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Gainesville scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Gainesville leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Gainesville | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 52.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 13.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 44.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Gainesville is the larger city
— approximately 2.7x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Gainesville 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 | Gainesville | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 145,247 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.30% | — |
| Median Age | 26.5 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 3.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Gainesville
Advantages
Home to a major research university offering world-class educational and cultural events
Exceptional healthcare infrastructure anchored by UF Health Shands Hospital
Median home prices and rent are significantly lower than major Florida coastal metros
Abundant natural parks, oak-canopy roads, and nearby freshwater springs for outdoor enthusiasts
Thriving innovation district and growing biotech startup ecosystem supported by local grants
Drawbacks
Local economy and rental market experience significant seasonal fluctuations tied to the academic calendar
Poverty rates in certain student-dense census tracts appear artificially high relative to the broader population
Public transit options outside core student bus routes are limited, necessitating a personal vehicle
Hot and humid summer climate can be oppressive for residents unaccustomed to North Florida weather
Traffic congestion spikes noticeably during major university events like football game weekends
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.
Gainesville
#380Florida, USA
59.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
96
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
52.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
243/yr
Avg Temp
70.80°F
Pop. Growth
1.30%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
76
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Gainesville and Elyria.
Open Cost Calculator