Performance
Score Breakdown
Altona
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
21% higher compared to Altona.
Housing costs are a major driver: Altona's average rent is
76% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Altona | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,618 | $917 | +76% |
| Groceries | $362 | $450 | -20% |
| Utilities | $208 | $249 | -16% |
| Transport | $69 | $120 | -43% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $125 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,257 | $1,861 | +21% |
| Cost Index | 70 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 41% 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 Altona is estimated at
$42,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Altona | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $46,008 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 65,726 idx | 82,979 idx |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Altona | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Altona has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,500 minutes (92 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
Altona scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Altona leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Altona | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 12 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 85.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 80.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Altona is the larger city
— approximately 5.2x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Altona 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 | Altona | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 281,136 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.20% | % |
| Median Age | 42.3 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.71% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Altona
Advantages
Altona has a strong job market, particularly in media, advertising, and creative industries.
The borough offers excellent public transport connections via S-Bahn and U-Bahn, ensuring easy commutes.
Altona is known for its diverse, family-friendly environment and beautiful Elbe river views.
The area features a lively cultural scene with numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, and farmer's markets.
Altona is considered a safe place to live, with a safety rating of 4 out of 5.
Drawbacks
Rent in Altona is higher compared to some other districts within Hamburg.
Finding an apartment in Altona can be challenging due to high demand and low vacancy rates.
Some parts of Altona can feel too quiet in the evenings, depending on the specific neighborhood.
Parking can be confusing due to the prevalence of one-way streets.
There are reports of visible drug users and alcoholics near the train station, though they are generally described as peaceful.
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.
Altona
#2Hamburg, Germany
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,618
Avg Salary
$46,008
Cost Index
70
Commute
12 min
Transit Score
85.0/10
Walkability
80.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.20%
Unemployment
3.71%
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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