City Comparison
Smithfield vs Elyria
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Smithfield scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Smithfield
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
35% lower than in Smithfield.
Housing costs are a major driver: Smithfield's average rent is
102% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Smithfield | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,850 | $917 | +102% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $210 | $249 | -16% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $125 | +92% |
| Monthly Total | $2,850 | $1,861 | +53% |
| Cost Index | 108 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 3% 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 Smithfield is estimated at
$62,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Smithfield | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $76,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 70,370 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $105,400 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Smithfield runs warmer on average — a 50.6°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Smithfield comes out ahead with 252 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Smithfield sees 20.9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Smithfield | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 50.60°F | °F |
| Summer High | 79.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 20.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 44.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 20.90 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 252 | |
| Humidity | 66.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Smithfield.
Smithfield scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Smithfield leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Smithfield | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 32.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 35.0/100 | 13.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Smithfield.
From a growth perspective, Smithfield 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 | Smithfield | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,118 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | — |
| Median Age | 43.5 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 3.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Smithfield
Advantages
Violent and property crime rates remain significantly lower than the national average per FBI and local law enforcement data.
Home to Bryant University, providing strong educational opportunities and an intellectually vibrant community atmosphere.
Conveniently situated near major highways like I-295, offering easy commutes to Providence and Boston.
Abundant access to natural green spaces, including Stump Pond and municipal parks for outdoor recreation.
Consistently well-rated local public school system that attracts families to the area.
Drawbacks
High cost of housing and competitive real estate market limit affordable options for first-time buyers.
High car dependency makes daily errands and commuting difficult without personal vehicle access.
Limited public transportation infrastructure with infrequent bus service outside major corridors.
Property tax rates in Rhode Island can impose a heavy financial burden on homeowners.
Limited local nightlife and entertainment options compared to nearby Providence.
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.
Smithfield
#151Rhode Island, USA
65.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,850
Avg Salary
$76,000
Cost Index
108
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
32.0/100
Walkability
35.0/100
Sunny Days
252/yr
Avg Temp
50.60°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
80
Business
70
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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