Performance
Score Breakdown
Springfield
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
11% higher compared to Springfield.
Housing costs are a major driver: Springfield's average rent is
22% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Springfield | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,121 | $917 | +22% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $249 | -28% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $125 | +100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,071 | $1,861 | +11% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 29% 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 Springfield is estimated at
$67,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Springfield | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $55,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $67,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,111 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $49,311 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Springfield | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 69.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Springfield has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
Springfield scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Springfield leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Springfield | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Springfield is the larger city
— approximately 3.2x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Springfield 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 | Springfield | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 170,117 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.16% | % |
| Median Age | 33.7 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.60% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $29.3B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Springfield
Advantages
The cost of living in Springfield is 8-12% below the national average, with significant savings in housing, utilities, and groceries.
Housing is highly affordable, with a median home value of $208,223 in 2026, making homeownership more accessible.
The average commute time is short, at just 16 minutes, enhancing daily convenience for residents.
Springfield has a diversified and growing economy, with strong sectors in healthcare and manufacturing.
The city is a regional healthcare hub with highly-rated hospitals like Mercy Hospital Springfield, which received a Leapfrog A rating in 2024 and 2025.
Drawbacks
Healthcare costs in Springfield are reported to be 6-11.5% above the national average.
The median household income of $49,311 (2024) is lower than the national median.
Springfield received a low safety score of 26 out of 100 in Livability's 2026 ranking.
The city experiences varied and sometimes extreme weather, including muggy summers and cold, snowy winters.
While a regional hub, the city's population diversity is lower compared to many other U.S. cities.
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.
Springfield
#14Missouri, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,121
Avg Salary
$55,000
Cost Index
90
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.16%
Unemployment
3.60%
Livability
78
Business
68
Elyria
#14Ohio, 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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