Performance
Score Breakdown
Merthyr Tydfil
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
0% higher compared to Merthyr Tydfil.
Housing costs are a major driver: Merthyr Tydfil's average rent is
18% lower than Elyria's.
| Metric | Merthyr Tydfil | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $755 | $917 | -18% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $338 | $249 | +36% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $125 | +100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,863 | $1,861 | 0% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 65% 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 Merthyr Tydfil is estimated at
$25,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Merthyr Tydfil | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $27,399 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $25,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 30,443 idx | 82,979 idx |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Merthyr Tydfil | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 86.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Merthyr Tydfil.
Merthyr Tydfil scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Merthyr Tydfil leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Merthyr Tydfil | 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
Merthyr Tydfil is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Merthyr Tydfil 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 | Merthyr Tydfil | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 58,972 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.07% | % |
| Median Age | 41.0 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.50% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Merthyr Tydfil
Advantages
Merthyr Tydfil offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to the UK average, particularly in housing.
The town is situated on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, providing excellent access to outdoor recreational activities.
Merthyr Tydfil has a rich industrial heritage, offering a unique historical and cultural landscape.
The housing market is considered affordable for both renters and buyers, with competitive property prices and rents.
The tourism sector is experiencing significant growth, contributing to the local economy and job creation.
Drawbacks
Merthyr Tydfil has a higher crime rate than the UK national average, with specific areas experiencing higher incident levels.
Life expectancy in Merthyr Tydfil is lower than the Welsh average, and the region experiences high rates of mental illness and poor well-being.
A significant portion of the population has no formal qualifications, which can affect employment prospects and income levels.
The town faces challenges with deprivation in some areas, and has a higher proportion of older housing stock.
Public transport options are less extensive compared to larger urban centers, indicating a higher reliance on private vehicles.
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.
Merthyr Tydfil
#1Wales, UK
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$755
Avg Salary
$27,399
Cost Index
90
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.07%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
68
Business
60
Elyria
#16Ohio, 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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