Performance
Score Breakdown
Kapolei
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
181% higher compared to Kapolei.
Housing costs are a major driver: Kapolei's average rent is
273% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Kapolei | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $3,420 | $917 | +273% |
| Groceries | $459 | $450 | +2% |
| Utilities | $396 | $249 | +59% |
| Transport | $200 | $120 | +67% |
| Healthcare | $759 | $125 | +507% |
| Monthly Total | $5,234 | $1,861 | +181% |
| Cost Index | 151 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 40% 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 Kapolei is estimated at
$85,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Kapolei | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $46,510 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $85,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 30,801 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $128,324 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Kapolei | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 66.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Kapolei.
For walkability, Kapolei leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Kapolei | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 31 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 40.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Kapolei.
From a growth perspective, Kapolei is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Kapolei has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Kapolei | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 24,844 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.49% | % |
| Median Age | 35.3 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 2.40% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kapolei
Advantages
Kapolei is experiencing rapid development and expanding infrastructure, offering urban amenities without the intense hustle of Honolulu.
The city provides a family-friendly environment with excellent schools, parks, and community centers.
Residents have abundant opportunities for outdoor activities, including access to pristine beaches and hiking trails.
Kapolei offers diverse employment opportunities across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and hospitality.
The overall crime rate in Kapolei is 26% below the national average, contributing to a sense of safety.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Kapolei is 51% higher than the national average, primarily driven by high housing, utility, and grocery costs.
Traffic congestion is a significant issue, particularly during commute hours, impacting travel times.
Public transportation options are limited, and the city is largely car-dependent.
Healthcare access can be a challenge, despite good quality, with Hawaii ranking 39th nationally for access in 2025.
Utility costs, including electricity and internet, are among the highest in the nation due to Hawaii's reliance on imported fuel.
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.
Kapolei
#49Hawaii, USA
71.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$3,420
Avg Salary
$46,510
Cost Index
151
Commute
31 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.49%
Unemployment
2.40%
Livability
68
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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