City Comparison
Luckenwalde vs Elyria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Luckenwalde scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Luckenwalde
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Luckenwalde is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
6% lower than in Elyria.
Housing costs are a major driver: Luckenwalde's average rent is
18% lower than Elyria's.
| Metric | Luckenwalde | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $750 | $917 | -18% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $249 | -28% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $125 | +100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,750 | $1,861 | -6% |
| Cost Index | 85 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 42% 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 Luckenwalde is estimated at
$35,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Luckenwalde | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $45,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $35,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 52,941 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $48,000 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Luckenwalde runs warmer on average — a 51.6°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Luckenwalde comes out ahead with 264 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Luckenwalde sees 9.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Luckenwalde | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.60°F | °F |
| Summer High | 76.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 31.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 21.50 in | in |
| Snowfall | 9.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 264 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Luckenwalde.
Luckenwalde scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Luckenwalde leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Luckenwalde | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 65.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 13.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Luckenwalde.
From a growth perspective, Luckenwalde 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 | Luckenwalde | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,677 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.33% | — |
| Median Age | 47.3 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 3.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Luckenwalde
Advantages
Affordable cost of living compared to Berlin.
Good public transport connections to Berlin, including direct regional train services.
Rich industrial history and unique architectural landmarks, such as the Erich Mendelsohn-designed hat factory.
Access to nature and outdoor activities through the Flaeming-Skate and nearby nature parks.
Revitalized town center with pedestrian zones and green spaces.
Drawbacks
The average age of the population is relatively high (47.3 years as of Dec 2025).
Significant birth deficit, with deaths outnumbering births.
While growing, the town's economy is still transitioning from traditional industries.
Some areas may still show signs of post-industrial decline or require further revitalization.
Limited availability of highly specialized job opportunities within the town itself.
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.
Luckenwalde
#24Brandenburg, Germany
64.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$750
Avg Salary
$45,000
Cost Index
85
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
65.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
264/yr
Avg Temp
51.60°F
Pop. Growth
0.33%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
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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