City Comparison
Lorain vs Elyria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Elyria scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Lorain
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Lorain is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
1% lower than in Elyria.
| Metric | Lorain | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $950 | $917 | +4% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $170 | $249 | -32% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $125 | +84% |
| Monthly Total | $1,840 | $1,861 | -1% |
| Cost Index | 85 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 33% 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 Lorain is estimated at
$45,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Lorain | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,176 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $48,500 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Lorain runs warmer on average — a 51.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Lorain comes out ahead with 220 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Lorain sees 39.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Lorain | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 78.50°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 22.20°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 43.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 39.70 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 220 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Lorain scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Lorain leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Lorain | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 13.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of Lorain.
From a growth perspective, Lorain 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 | Lorain | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 35,886 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | — | — |
| Median Age | 37.8 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 5.20% | 3.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Lorain
Advantages
Median home prices in Lorain are significantly lower than the national average per Zillow 2024 data.
Proximity to Lake Erie offers abundant recreational boating, fishing, and waterfront park access.
Rich cultural diversity highlighted by community festivals, authentic local eateries, and historic neighborhoods.
Convenient commuting distance to the broader Cleveland metropolitan job and entertainment market.
Lower overall cost of living index allows residents to stretch household budgets further.
Drawbacks
Overall crime rates in certain urban neighborhoods exceed the national median per FBI crime statistics.
Northeast Ohio winters bring heavy snowfall and cold temperatures that require winter preparedness.
Property tax rates in the region can be relatively high compared to the low initial home purchase price.
Job growth within city limits has historically lagged behind high-growth tech hubs.
Public transit options are limited compared to major metropolitan transit systems, increasing car dependency.
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.
Lorain
#480Ohio, USA
53.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
85
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
220/yr
Avg Temp
51.80°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.20%
Livability
66
Business
60
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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