Performance
Score Breakdown
Kunming
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Kunming is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
64% lower compared to Elyria.
Housing costs are a major driver: Kunming's average rent is
74% lower than Elyria's.
| Metric | Kunming | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $234 | $917 | -74% |
| Groceries | $187 | $450 | -58% |
| Utilities | $53 | $249 | -79% |
| Transport | $37 | $120 | -69% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $125 | +20% |
| Monthly Total | $661 | $1,861 | -64% |
| Cost Index | 31 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 75% 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 Kunming is estimated at
$10,368 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Kunming | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $19,261 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $10,368 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 62,132 idx | 82,979 idx |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Kunming | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 71.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
8,500 minutes (142 hours) per year compared to Kunming.
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 | Kunming | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 40 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Kunming is the larger city
— approximately 113x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Kunming 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 | Kunming | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,061,121 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.21% | % |
| Median Age | 39.4 | |
| Unemployment | 4.62% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $128.1B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kunming
Advantages
Kunming boasts a mild, spring-like climate year-round, earning it the nickname "City of Eternal Spring."
The cost of living in Kunming is relatively affordable compared to other major Chinese cities, with average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in the city center at $234 as of August 2026.
The city has a high safety index of 85 as of 2026, indicating a very secure living environment.
Kunming is a significant economic and transportation hub, serving as a gateway to Southeast and South Asia.
The city is a major center for scientific research and education, listed among the top 100 cities globally for scientific research output in 2024.
Drawbacks
Specific, up-to-date data for certain metrics like median household income, unemployment rate, and median age for Kunming are not readily available from reliable sources.
While public transport is available, detailed transit and walkability scores are not widely published.
The average individual salary in Kunming, while covering living expenses, is lower than in some first-tier Chinese cities.
Summer months experience frequent and heavy rainfall, which can impact outdoor activities.
Despite its mild climate, winter nights can experience freezing temperatures, and occasional freak snowfalls can occur.
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.
Kunming
#2Yunnan, China
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$234
Avg Salary
$19,261
Cost Index
31
Commute
40 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.21%
Unemployment
4.62%
Livability
74
Business
68
Elyria
#15Ohio, 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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