City Comparison
Hot Springs vs Elyria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Elyria scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Hot Springs
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
9% lower than in Hot Springs.
Housing costs are a major driver: Hot Springs's average rent is
25% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Hot Springs | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $917 | +25% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $175 | $249 | -30% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $125 | +84% |
| Monthly Total | $2,045 | $1,861 | +10% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 38% 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 Hot Springs is estimated at
$42,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Hot Springs | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $48,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 52,174 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $47,760 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Hot Springs runs warmer on average — a 64.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Hot Springs comes out ahead with 264 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Hot Springs sees 9.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Hot Springs | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 64.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 90.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 35.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 46.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 9.40 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 264 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Hot Springs scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Hot Springs leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Hot Springs | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 13.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of Hot Springs.
From a growth perspective, Hot Springs 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 | Hot Springs | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 37,979 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.18% | — |
| Median Age | 45.3 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.40% | 3.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Hot Springs
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living sit roughly 7-8% below the national average per US Census and Zillow data.
Average commute times are exceptionally short at around 21 minutes, minimizing daily transit friction.
Direct access to Hot Springs National Park and pristine lakes like Lake Hamilton provides unmatched outdoor recreation.
A thriving local healthcare sector anchored by major regional medical facilities ensures robust access to care.
Rich cultural history, vibrant arts community, and unique architecture create a distinct and engaging small-city environment.
Drawbacks
Poverty rates in the city proper are higher than the national average, registering around 20.5% per Census figures.
The local median household income of $47,760 trails well behind national benchmarks.
Heavy tourism seasons introduce periodic traffic congestion and crowding around downtown commercial districts.
Public transportation options are sparse, making reliable personal vehicle ownership an absolute necessity.
Property crime rates reflect the transient nature of a major tourist destination.
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.
Hot Springs
#426Arkansas, USA
56.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,150
Avg Salary
$48,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
264/yr
Avg Temp
64.90°F
Pop. Growth
0.18%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
75
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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