Hermanus
Western Cape, South Africa
#1 in South Africa
72
Overall Score
VS
Elyria
Ohio, USA
#15 in USA
75
Overall Score
Elyria scores higher overall

Score Breakdown

Hermanus
Elyria
Livability
74
75
Affordability
78
94
Business
68
50
Growth
80
45

Cost of Living

Hermanus is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately 50% lower compared to Elyria. Housing costs are a major driver: Hermanus's average rent is 41% lower than Elyria's.
MetricHermanusElyriaDiff
Average Rent
$540$917-41%
Groceries
$201$450-55%
Utilities
$190$249-24%
Transport
$0$120-100%
Healthcare
$0$125-100%
Monthly Total
$931$1,861-50%
Cost Index
8494out of 100

Salary & Income

Elyria offers 100% lower average salaries.
MetricHermanusElyria
Average Salary
$0$78,000
Salary Needed
$0$30,516

Climate Comparison

Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
MetricHermanusElyria
Avg Temp
°F°F
Summer High
°F°F
Winter Low
°F°F
Rainfall
in in
Snowfall
in in
Sunny Days
Humidity
%70.00%

Commute & Transport

Hermanus has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly 11,500 minutes (192 hours) per year compared to Elyria. Elyria scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living. For walkability, Elyria leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
MetricHermanusElyria
Commute Time
min23 min
Transit Score
0.0/1030.0/10
Walkability
0.0/1013.0/10
Traffic Index
45.00
Car Dependency
MediumHigh

Economy & Demographics

Hermanus is the larger city — approximately 1.7x the population of Elyria. From a growth perspective, Hermanus 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.
MetricHermanusElyria
Population
90,92653,634
Pop. Growth
4.52%%
Median Age
39.4
Unemployment
32.39%3.40%
GDP
$0.0B$0.0B

Pros & Cons

Hermanus
Advantages
Hermanus's population is projected to grow by 4.52% annually, indicating strong growth momentum.
The cost of living in Hermanus is 16% below the global median, making it more affordable than many other locations.
Hermanus offers a 'city' level of amenities and well-maintained infrastructure, enhancing the quality of life for residents.
The town is a premier whale-watching destination and offers a rich array of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wine tasting.
More than two-thirds of Hermanus's population are permanent residents, contributing to a stable and dynamic community.
Drawbacks
Specific data for median age, median household income, and unemployment rate for Hermanus for 2024 onwards are not readily available.
The lack of comprehensive public transport options suggests a medium to high car dependency for residents.
While generally safe, the safety index for Hermanus is reported at 51, indicating areas for potential improvement.
Detailed job growth rates and new business growth rates specific to Hermanus are not explicitly published.
The cost of home purchase per square foot in the city center is difficult to ascertain with recent, reliable data.
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.

Dive Deeper

Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.

Hermanus
#1
Western Cape, South Africa
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$540
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
84
Commute
min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
4.52%
Unemployment
32.39%
Livability
74
Business
68
View Full Profile
Elyria
#15
Ohio, 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
View Full Profile

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