Performance
Score Breakdown
Airdrie
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
52% higher compared to Airdrie.
Housing costs are a major driver: Airdrie's average rent is
101% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Airdrie | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,840 | $917 | +101% |
| Groceries | $529 | $450 | +18% |
| Utilities | $196 | $249 | -21% |
| Transport | $256 | $120 | +113% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $125 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,821 | $1,861 | +52% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 45% 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 Airdrie is estimated at
$64,499 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Airdrie | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $43,126 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $64,499 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 41,072 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $86,525 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Airdrie | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 48.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Airdrie has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
11,500 minutes (192 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
Elyria scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Elyria leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Airdrie | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Airdrie is the larger city
— approximately 1.8x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Airdrie 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 | Airdrie | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 94,070 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 4.50% | % |
| Median Age | 34.0 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 6.91% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Airdrie
Advantages
Airdrie is experiencing rapid population growth, making it the fastest-growing city in Alberta.
The city has a lower Crime Severity Index (43.2 in 2024) compared to the provincial average (95.6).
Housing in Airdrie is generally more affordable than in nearby Calgary, offering more space for the money.
Residents benefit from a high quality of life, characterized by a friendly atmosphere, excellent amenities, and family-friendly communities.
Airdrie's strategic location provides easy access to Calgary's extensive amenities and major transportation routes.
Drawbacks
Specific crime categories, such as motor vehicle theft and theft under $5,000, saw increases of 20% and 19% respectively in 2025.
Domestic violence incidents in Airdrie increased by eight percent year-over-year in 2025.
Public transit fares have been increasing, with further adjustments expected.
Businesses in Airdrie face challenges due to limited commercial space and rising leasing costs.
Employers report difficulties in attracting and retaining skilled staff, particularly in hospitality, trades, and healthcare sectors.
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.
Airdrie
#6Alberta, Canada
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,840
Avg Salary
$43,126
Cost Index
105
Commute
min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
4.50%
Unemployment
6.91%
Livability
80
Business
70
Elyria
#13Ohio, 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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