Performance
Score Breakdown
Billings
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
11% higher compared to Billings.
Housing costs are a major driver: Billings's average rent is
52% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Billings | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,390 | $917 | +52% |
| Groceries | $364 | $450 | -19% |
| Utilities | $306 | $249 | +23% |
| Transport | $0 | $120 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $125 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,060 | $1,861 | +11% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 12% 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 Billings is estimated at
$71,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Billings | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,328 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $71,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 71,924 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $73,712 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Billings | 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
Billings has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
Elyria scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Billings leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Billings | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 35.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Billings is the larger city
— approximately 2.3x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Billings is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Billings has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Billings | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 123,723 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | % |
| Median Age | 38.8 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.30% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Billings
Advantages
Billings offers a relatively low cost of living, with an index of 95 compared to the U.S. average of 100.
The city boasts a strong and resilient economy, driven by key sectors like healthcare, energy, and agriculture, with a job growth rate of 1.35% (2023-2024).
Residents benefit from advanced healthcare services, including the Billings Clinic, recognized as the best hospital in Southeast Montana.
Billings provides abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, with access to the Yellowstone River, Rimrocks, and proximity to Yellowstone National Park.
The average commute time is short, around 16.5 minutes, contributing to a more relaxed daily rhythm.
Drawbacks
The city has a low Transit Score of 25 and a Walk Score of 35, indicating high car dependency and limited public transportation options.
Safety scores are relatively low (40/100), and residents report lower feelings of safety in downtown areas compared to other communities.
Some everyday expenses, such as groceries and transportation, are slightly higher than the national average.
Winters can be cold and snowy, requiring preparation for harsh weather conditions.
While the city has a bike score of 63, it does not have many dedicated bike lanes.
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.
Billings
#12Montana, USA
77.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,390
Avg Salary
$68,328
Cost Index
95
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
25.0/10
Walkability
35.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
3.30%
Livability
77
Business
68
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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