Performance
Score Breakdown
Aurora
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
35% higher compared to Aurora.
Housing costs are a major driver: Aurora's average rent is
87% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Aurora | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,715 | $917 | +87% |
| Groceries | $355 | $450 | -21% |
| Utilities | $355 | $249 | +43% |
| Transport | $88 | $120 | -27% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $125 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,513 | $1,861 | +35% |
| Cost Index | 103 | 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 Aurora is estimated at
$41,621 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Aurora | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $61,855 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $41,621 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 60,053 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $93,837 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Aurora | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 50.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Aurora.
Aurora scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Aurora leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Aurora | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 29 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 43.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 43.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Aurora is the larger city
— approximately 7.8x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Aurora 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 | Aurora | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 418,218 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.40% | % |
| Median Age | 35.3 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.90% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Aurora
Advantages
Aurora boasts a diverse and growing population, with a projected 418,218 residents in 2026.
The city is a major healthcare hub, home to the Anschutz Medical Campus and numerous hospitals, providing excellent medical access and employment.
Aurora offers abundant outdoor recreational opportunities with over 97 parks and 5,000 acres of open space and trails.
The average rent in Aurora is generally lower than in neighboring Denver, offering more affordable housing options.
The job market shows good growth, with a 1.71% employment increase in 2024, particularly in healthcare, retail, and construction sectors.
Drawbacks
Aurora has a significantly high crime rate, with an overall crime rate of 7,072 per 100,000 residents in 2024.
The city is largely car-dependent, with a low Walk Score of 43 and limited public transit options in many areas.
The cost of living in Aurora is slightly higher than the national average, with an index of 103.
Assisted living costs in Aurora are higher than both the state and national averages, at approximately $5,014 per month in 2024.
Healthcare costs are 19% higher than the national average, impacting overall affordability.
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.
Aurora
#71Colorado, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,715
Avg Salary
$61,855
Cost Index
103
Commute
29 min
Transit Score
43.0/10
Walkability
43.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.40%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
65
Business
70
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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