Performance
Score Breakdown
Macau
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
7% higher compared to Macau.
Housing costs are a major driver: Macau's average rent is
22% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Macau | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,117 | $917 | +22% |
| Groceries | $425 | $450 | -6% |
| Utilities | $180 | $249 | -28% |
| Transport | $24 | $120 | -80% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $125 | +100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,996 | $1,861 | +7% |
| Cost Index | 100 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 66% 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 Macau is estimated at
$35,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Macau | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $26,796 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $35,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 26,796 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $58,835 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Macau | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 80.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Macau.
Macau scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Macau leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Macau | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Macau is the larger city
— approximately 13.5x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Macau is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Macau has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Macau | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 723,188 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.16% | % |
| Median Age | 40.3 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 1.60% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Macau
Advantages
Macau has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, reaching 83.5 years in 2025.
The city boasts a strong economy with a high GDP per capita, driven by its prominent tourism and gaming industries.
Macau maintains a generally safe environment with low crime rates, contributing to a high quality of life.
The median monthly employment earnings in Macau were MOP 18,000 (approximately $2,233 USD) as of 2024, indicating a competitive salary landscape.
Residential rents in Macau saw a year-on-year increase in 2024, marking the first rise since 2019, indicating a strengthening rental market.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Macau is very high, with a single person estimated to cost $4125 per month.
Housing costs are a significant burden, with average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center at $1,069.
Macau is the second most densely populated region in the world, leading to space constraints.
The median age in Macau is 40.3 years, indicating a rapidly aging population.
While the economy is strong, there is an uneven distribution of wealth between gaming/financial and service workers.
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.
Macau
#1Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,117
Avg Salary
$26,796
Cost Index
100
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.16%
Unemployment
1.60%
Livability
74
Business
68
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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