Performance
Score Breakdown
Anchorage
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
70% higher compared to Anchorage.
Housing costs are a major driver: Anchorage's average rent is
73% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Anchorage | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,583 | $917 | +73% |
| Groceries | $623 | $450 | +38% |
| Utilities | $409 | $249 | +64% |
| Transport | $350 | $120 | +192% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $125 | +60% |
| Monthly Total | $3,165 | $1,861 | +70% |
| Cost Index | 125 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 21% 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 Anchorage is estimated at
$125,309 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Anchorage | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $61,814 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $125,309 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 49,451 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $103,284 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Anchorage | 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
Anchorage has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
Anchorage scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Anchorage leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Anchorage | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 52.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 31.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 31.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Anchorage is the larger city
— approximately 5.3x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Anchorage 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 | Anchorage | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 286,278 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 35.2 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Anchorage
Advantages
No state income tax allows residents to keep a larger portion of their earnings.
Exceptional access to stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities.
Strong job market in key sectors like healthcare, oil & gas, and transportation.
Friendly community and welcoming atmosphere with a small-town feel.
Shorter average commute time compared to the national average.
Drawbacks
Overall cost of living is significantly higher than the national average.
Higher property crime rate compared to the national average.
Limited public transportation options lead to high car dependency.
Challenging winter weather conditions with short daylight hours.
Elevated healthcare costs compared to the national average.
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.
Anchorage
#54Alaska, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,583
Avg Salary
$61,814
Cost Index
125
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
52.0/10
Walkability
31.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
72
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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