Performance
Score Breakdown
Bossier City
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
16% higher compared to Bossier City.
| Metric | Bossier City | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $964 | $917 | +5% |
| Groceries | $674 | $450 | +50% |
| Utilities | $385 | $249 | +55% |
| Transport | $0 | $120 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $140 | $125 | +12% |
| Monthly Total | $2,163 | $1,861 | +16% |
| Cost Index | 94 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 46% 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 Bossier City is estimated at
$67,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Bossier City | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $42,372 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $67,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 45,077 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $55,819 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Bossier City | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 71.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Bossier City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
Elyria scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Bossier City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Bossier City | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 31.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Bossier City is the larger city
— approximately 1.2x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Bossier City 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 | Bossier City | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 62,901 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 35.4 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $7.7B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Bossier City
Advantages
The overall cost of living in Bossier City is approximately 5.8% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $964 per month as of July 2026, significantly below the national average.
The city experienced a healthy job growth rate of 3.3% from 2023 to 2024.
The average commute time for residents is a relatively short 18 minutes.
Bossier City has a strong military presence, contributing to a stable economic sector and community diversity.
Drawbacks
Bossier City has a high crime rate, ranking among the top 100 most dangerous cities in the U.S.A.
The city is largely car-dependent, with a low walkability score of 31, meaning most errands require a car.
Summers are characterized as oppressive, hot, and uncomfortably humid.
The city's population is projected to have a negative growth rate from 2024 to 2026.
Utility costs are approximately 4.0% higher than 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.
Bossier City
#65Louisiana, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$964
Avg Salary
$42,372
Cost Index
94
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
25.0/10
Walkability
31.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
65
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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