Performance
Score Breakdown
Elyria
Des Moines
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
11% lower compared to Des Moines.
Housing costs are a major driver: Elyria's average rent is
21% lower than Des Moines's.
| Metric | Elyria | Des Moines | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $917 | $1,162 | -21% |
| Groceries | $450 | $400 | +13% |
| Utilities | $249 | $180 | +38% |
| Transport | $120 | $90 | +33% |
| Healthcare | $125 | $250 | -50% |
| Monthly Total | $1,861 | $2,082 | -11% |
| Cost Index | 94 | 81 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 20% higher 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 Elyria is estimated at
$30,516 vs $55,000 in Des Moines.
| Metric | Elyria | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $30,516 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 82,979 idx | 80,247 idx |
| Household Income | $54,945 | $47,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Elyria | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Des Moines has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
For walkability, Des Moines leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Elyria | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 13.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 17.90 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Des Moines is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Elyria 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 | Elyria | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 53,634 | 209,232 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 39.4 | 38.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.40% | 4.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
Des Moines
Advantages
The Des Moines metropolitan area is experiencing population growth, with an estimated 573,000 residents in 2025, a 1.24% increase from the previous year.
The cost of living in Des Moines is generally lower than the U.S. average.
The average commute time in West Des Moines is just 18 minutes, indicating efficient transportation.
The housing market saw a 0.9% increase in home prices over the three months ending May 2026, with a median price of $217,000.
Des Moines is a major business hub with growing job markets in insurance, finance, and healthcare.
Drawbacks
The city proper of Des Moines has experienced a population decline of approximately -0.55% annually since 2020.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines are higher than the national average.
Summers in Des Moines are hot and humid, with muggy conditions increasing throughout the season.
The median household income in Des Moines ($47,000) is lower than the Iowa state average ($52,000).
The Des Moines housing market, while showing recent price increases, experienced a slight decline in median sale prices in 2024.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
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
Des Moines
#23Iowa, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,162
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
81
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
45.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
75
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