City Comparison
Parma vs Elyria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Parma scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Parma
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 Parma.
Housing costs are a major driver: Parma's average rent is
36% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Parma | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,250 | $917 | +36% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $175 | $249 | -30% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $125 | +84% |
| Monthly Total | $2,145 | $1,861 | +15% |
| Cost Index | 91 | 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 Parma is estimated at
$48,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Parma | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 63,736 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $64,500 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Parma runs warmer on average — a 51.2°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Parma comes out ahead with 220 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Parma sees 39.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Parma | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.20°F | °F |
| Summer High | 81.20°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 19.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 44.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 39.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 220 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Parma scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Parma leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Parma | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 13.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Parma is the larger city
— approximately 1.5x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Parma 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 | Parma | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 77,880 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | — | — |
| Median Age | 42.1 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 3.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Parma
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living remain significantly below the national average per US Census data.
Proximity to downtown Cleveland offers easy access to major employment hubs, cultural institutions, and professional sports.
University Hospitals Parma Medical Center provides top-tier local healthcare and emergency services within city limits.
Extensive municipal park system featuring James Day Park offers robust recreational facilities and community programming.
Crime rates remain well below national averages for cities of comparable size, ensuring a secure suburban environment.
Drawbacks
High property tax rates in Cuyahoga County can offset some of the savings from lower home purchase prices.
Car dependency is high, with limited public transit options for those who prefer not to drive.
Aging housing stock often requires routine modernization and maintenance updates for older properties.
Cold, snowy winters with significant annual snowfall totals require regular winter weather preparedness.
Job growth within immediate city limits is moderate, requiring many residents to commute to surrounding areas for specialized careers.
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.
Parma
#164Ohio, USA
64.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,250
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
91
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
220/yr
Avg Temp
51.20°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.20%
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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