City Comparison
Rustenburg vs Elyria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Rustenburg scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Rustenburg
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Rustenburg is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
29% lower than in Elyria.
Housing costs are a major driver: Rustenburg's average rent is
29% lower than Elyria's.
| Metric | Rustenburg | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $650 | $917 | -29% |
| Groceries | $300 | $450 | -33% |
| Utilities | $130 | $249 | -48% |
| Transport | $90 | $120 | -25% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $125 | +20% |
| Monthly Total | $1,320 | $1,861 | -29% |
| Cost Index | 45 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 98% 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 Rustenburg is estimated at
$1,100 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Rustenburg | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $1,450 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $1,100 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 3,222 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $14,000 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Rustenburg runs warmer on average — a 65.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Rustenburg comes out ahead with 246 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Rustenburg sees 0.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Rustenburg | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 65.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 68.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 63.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 43.90 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 246 | |
| Humidity | 58.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Rustenburg.
Rustenburg scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Rustenburg leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Rustenburg | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 38.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 13.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Rustenburg is the larger city
— approximately 10.2x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Rustenburg 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 | Rustenburg | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 549,575 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.50% | — |
| Median Age | 29.0 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 33.50% | 3.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Rustenburg
Advantages
Strategic economic hub anchored by world-class platinum mining operations providing robust employment opportunities.
Scenic natural setting at the foot of the Magaliesberg mountains with proximity to Pilanesberg National Park and Sun City.
More affordable cost of living and housing options compared to major metropolitan centers like Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Strong presence of private healthcare facilities, including Netcare and Life Healthcare hospitals.
Abundant outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife reserves nearby.
Drawbacks
High local unemployment rate mirroring broader national economic challenges in South Africa.
Heavy reliance on the mining sector makes the local economy vulnerable to global commodity price fluctuations.
Traffic congestion during peak shift-change hours near major industrial and mining corridors.
Property crime and security concerns require residents to invest in private security measures.
Public transport infrastructure remains limited, resulting in high car and minibus taxi dependency.
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.
Rustenburg
#26North West, South Africa
63.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$650
Avg Salary
$1,450
Cost Index
45
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
38.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
246/yr
Avg Temp
65.10°F
Pop. Growth
1.50%
Unemployment
33.50%
Livability
63
Business
58
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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