City Comparison
Mountain Home vs Elyria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Mountain Home scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Mountain Home
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
13% lower than in Mountain Home.
Housing costs are a major driver: Mountain Home's average rent is
36% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Mountain Home | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,250 | $917 | +36% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $175 | $249 | -30% |
| Transport | $115 | $120 | -4% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $125 | +84% |
| Monthly Total | $2,150 | $1,861 | +16% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 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 Mountain Home is estimated at
$48,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Mountain Home | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 63,043 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $59,500 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Mountain Home runs warmer on average — a 55.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Mountain Home comes out ahead with 296 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Mountain Home sees 22.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Mountain Home | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 55.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 89.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 29.60°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 15.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 22.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 296 | |
| Humidity | 45.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Mountain Home has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
Mountain Home scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Mountain Home leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Mountain Home | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 13.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Mountain Home.
From a growth perspective, Mountain Home 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 | Mountain Home | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 15,000 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | — |
| Median Age | 34.5 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 3.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Mountain Home
Advantages
Significantly lower housing costs and overall cost of living compared to nearby Boise and the national average
Strong local economy anchored by the Mountain Home Air Force Base providing career stability
Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities nearby, including fishing, boating at CJ Strike Reservoir, and mountain access
Low crime rates and a safe, family-friendly community atmosphere
Easy access to metropolitan amenities in Boise via a convenient drive on Interstate 84
Drawbacks
Limited public transportation infrastructure, resulting in high car dependency
Extreme summer high temperatures typical of the high desert climate
Fewer local entertainment, dining, and cultural options compared to larger cities
Economic reliance on the military installation can create unique housing market fluctuations
Limited local higher education institutions within the immediate city limits
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.
Mountain Home
#150Idaho, USA
65.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,250
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
296/yr
Avg Temp
55.90°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
75
Business
67
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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