Performance
Score Breakdown
Keene
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
23% higher compared to Keene.
Housing costs are a major driver: Keene's average rent is
69% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Keene | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,550 | $917 | +69% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $200 | $249 | -20% |
| Transport | $50 | $120 | -58% |
| Healthcare | $95 | $125 | -24% |
| Monthly Total | $2,295 | $1,861 | +23% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 18% 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 Keene is estimated at
$65,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Keene | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $63,960 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 71,067 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $78,445 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Keene | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
For walkability, Keene leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Keene | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 47.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Keene.
From a growth perspective, Keene is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Keene has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Keene | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 23,036 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.07% | % |
| Median Age | 37.6 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 2.60% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Keene
Advantages
Strong community feel and access to nature, including proximity to Mount Monadnock.
Lower cost of living compared to the national average and major New England cities.
Low violent crime rates, contributing to a high sense of safety and security.
Well-preserved historic downtown with a vibrant arts and cultural scene.
Access to higher education institutions like Keene State College and Antioch University New England.
Drawbacks
Car dependency is moderate to high, with limited public transportation options.
Job market growth may be moderate compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Winters can be harsh with significant snowfall.
Median household income is below the national average.
Some residents note challenges with property crime and addiction issues.
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.
Keene
#25New Hampshire, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,550
Avg Salary
$63,960
Cost Index
90
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
47.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.07%
Unemployment
2.60%
Livability
75
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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