City Comparison
Macon vs Elyria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Elyria scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Macon
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
9% lower than in Macon.
Housing costs are a major driver: Macon's average rent is
25% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Macon | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $917 | +25% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $175 | $249 | -30% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $125 | +76% |
| Monthly Total | $2,035 | $1,861 | +9% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 26% 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 Macon is estimated at
$48,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Macon | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 65,909 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $49,500 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Macon runs warmer on average — a 66°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Macon comes out ahead with 251 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Macon sees 2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Macon | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 66.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 90.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 38.40°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 39.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 2.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 251 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Macon scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Macon leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Macon | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 13.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Macon is the larger city
— approximately 2.9x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Macon 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 | Macon | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 153,156 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | — | — |
| Median Age | 37.5 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 3.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Macon
Advantages
Median home prices in Macon are significantly lower than the national average, offering high housing affordability per square foot (Zillow, 2024)
Rich cultural and musical history featuring world-class annual events like the International Cherry Blossom Festival
Strategic central Georgia location providing convenient access to Atlanta, Savannah, and regional natural attractions
Major healthcare hub anchored by robust medical centers like Atrium Health Navicent and Piedmont Macon
Abundant outdoor recreation options, including the expansive Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park and Amerson River Park
Drawbacks
Property crime rates in certain urban neighborhoods exceed the national median, requiring careful neighborhood selection (FBI Uniform Crime Reporting, 2024)
Public transportation options are limited, making a personal vehicle practically essential for daily commuting and errands
Hot and humid summer climate can be intensely stifling for individuals sensitive to high temperatures
Average local wages lag somewhat behind major metropolitan economic centers in the state
Economic mobility and job growth in certain traditional sectors have historically trailed high-growth tech hubs
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.
Macon
#511Georgia, USA
52.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,150
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
251/yr
Avg Temp
66.00°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
72
Business
65
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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