Performance
Score Breakdown
Abbotsford
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
25% higher compared to Abbotsford.
Housing costs are a major driver: Abbotsford's average rent is
44% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Abbotsford | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,324 | $917 | +44% |
| Groceries | $446 | $450 | -1% |
| Utilities | $185 | $249 | -26% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $125 | +100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,325 | $1,861 | +25% |
| Cost Index | 75 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 57% 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 Abbotsford is estimated at
$45,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Abbotsford | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $33,790 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 45,053 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $63,306 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Abbotsford | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Abbotsford.
Abbotsford scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Abbotsford leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Abbotsford | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 70.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 20.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Abbotsford is the larger city
— approximately 3.3x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Abbotsford 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 | Abbotsford | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 178,976 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.06% | % |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 6.91% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Abbotsford
Advantages
Abbotsford's crime rates are 35% lower than the British Columbia average.
The cost of living in Abbotsford is 7% lower than the British Columbia average.
Abbotsford was ranked as the third-best city in Canada for livability in a March 2026 study, largely due to its affordability and disposable income.
The city has a strong economic climate and has been recognized as a favorable place to do business.
Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre is a 300-bed facility offering a wide range of healthcare services.
Drawbacks
Abbotsford's walkability score is low (2/10), meaning most destinations require a car.
A March 2026 study noted Abbotsford's safety ranking was lower compared to other major Canadian cities.
The city scores worse or no better in seven of nine indicators related to the healthy built environment.
Concerns about the quality of care at Abbotsford Regional Hospital have been raised in recent years.
Household incomes have not kept pace with the rising housing costs, which increased significantly between 2016 and 2021.
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.
Abbotsford
#13British Columbia, Canada
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,324
Avg Salary
$33,790
Cost Index
75
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
70.0/10
Walkability
20.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.06%
Unemployment
6.91%
Livability
73
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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