Performance
Score Breakdown
Memphis
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
13% higher compared to Memphis.
Housing costs are a major driver: Memphis's average rent is
32% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Memphis | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,210 | $917 | +32% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $250 | $249 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $120 | $125 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,100 | $1,861 | +13% |
| Cost Index | 89 | 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 Memphis is estimated at
$70,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Memphis | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $45,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $70,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 50,562 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $51,736 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Memphis | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
For walkability, Memphis leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Memphis | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 20.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 19.40 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Memphis is the larger city
— approximately 11.4x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Memphis 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 | Memphis | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 609,647 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 34.2 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.70% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Memphis
Advantages
Memphis boasts a significantly lower cost of living compared to the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
The city has a vibrant cultural scene, particularly renowned for its rich musical heritage and diverse culinary offerings.
Utility rates in Memphis are among the lowest in the United States, contributing to overall affordability.
The rental market exhibits strong demand and low vacancy rates, indicating a stable environment for property owners and investors.
Memphis has seen significant reductions in overall and violent crime rates in 2025, with homicides declining by 26%.
Drawbacks
Memphis has experienced a consistent population decline in recent years, with a projected negative growth rate.
The city has a very high violent crime rate, significantly above the national average, despite recent reductions.
Despite low utility rates, a high energy burden disproportionately affects low-income households.
Memphis is a car-dependent city with low walkability and minimal public transit options.
Tennessee, as a state, ranks low in overall healthcare quality, which may reflect on city-level access and outcomes.
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.
Memphis
#121Tennessee, USA
58.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,210
Avg Salary
$45,000
Cost Index
89
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
20.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.70%
Livability
55
Business
62
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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