Performance
Score Breakdown
St. Petersburg
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
79% higher compared to St. Petersburg.
Housing costs are a major driver: St. Petersburg's average rent is
96% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | St. Petersburg | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,799 | $917 | +96% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $311 | $249 | +25% |
| Transport | $124 | $120 | +3% |
| Healthcare | $650 | $125 | +420% |
| Monthly Total | $3,334 | $1,861 | +79% |
| Cost Index | 97 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 4% 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 St. Petersburg is estimated at
$94,432 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | St. Petersburg | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $75,192 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $94,432 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 77,518 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $75,192 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | St. Petersburg | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, St. Petersburg leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | St. Petersburg | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
St. Petersburg is the larger city
— approximately 4.9x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, St. Petersburg 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 | St. Petersburg | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 263,293 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.62% | % |
| Median Age | 43.0 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.00% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
St. Petersburg
Advantages
Abundant sunshine and a warm climate year-round, with an average of 361 sunny days annually.
Vibrant arts and culture scene, including the world-renowned Dalí Museum and numerous galleries.
Strong economic growth and a favorable business environment, ranking #4 in the U.S. for economic growth among mid-sized cities.
No state income tax, which can significantly reduce the overall tax burden for residents.
Beautiful beaches and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including parks and waterfront activities.
Drawbacks
Higher than average crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 619.6 per 100,000 residents.
Housing costs, including median home prices and rental rates, can be a significant financial burden for residents.
High humidity and oppressive summer conditions, with temperatures often feeling uncomfortable from May to October.
Above-average utility costs, particularly for electricity and sewer services, contributing to the overall cost of living.
Vulnerability to hurricanes and rising sea levels, which can lead to higher insurance premiums and potential property damage.
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.
St. Petersburg
#72Florida, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,799
Avg Salary
$75,192
Cost Index
97
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.62%
Unemployment
4.00%
Livability
78
Business
75
Elyria
#16Ohio, 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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between St. Petersburg and Elyria.
Open Cost Calculator