Performance
Score Breakdown
Portland
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
12% higher compared to Portland.
Housing costs are a major driver: Portland's average rent is
128% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Portland | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,088 | $917 | +128% |
| Groceries | $0 | $450 | -100% |
| Utilities | $0 | $249 | -100% |
| Transport | $0 | $120 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $125 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,088 | $1,861 | +12% |
| Cost Index | 114 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 100% lower average salaries.
| Metric | Portland | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $0 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $0 | $30,516 |
| Household Income | $79,540 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Portland runs warmer on average — a 47.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Portland comes out ahead with 254 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Portland sees 43.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Portland | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 47.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 78.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 14.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 38.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 43.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 254 | |
| Humidity | 71.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Portland has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
Portland scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Portland leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Portland | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 65.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 62.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Portland is the larger city
— approximately 1.3x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Portland is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Portland has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Portland | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,854 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.51% | % |
| Median Age | 37.8 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 2.70% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Portland
Advantages
High walkability, especially in the peninsula neighborhoods, allowing for car-free living in many areas.
A thriving and diverse economy with strong sectors in healthcare, technology, and professional services, offering ample job opportunities.
Nationally recognized culinary scene and a vibrant craft beer culture, making it a destination for food enthusiasts.
Access to coastal beauty and outdoor recreation, including beaches, islands, and scenic waterfronts.
A rich history and well-preserved architecture, particularly in the Old Port district, contributing to a unique urban charm.
Drawbacks
The cost of living is 14% higher than the national average, with housing being a significant expense.
Crime rates, particularly property crime, are a concern and can be higher than national averages in some metrics.
Public transit options, while present, may not be as extensive as in larger metropolitan areas, leading to medium car dependency.
Winter weather can be harsh, with cold temperatures and significant snowfall, impacting outdoor activities.
Limited availability of affordable housing options due to high demand and property values.
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.
Portland
#28Maine, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,088
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
114
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
65.0/10
Walkability
62.0/10
Sunny Days
254/yr
Avg Temp
47.70°F
Pop. Growth
0.51%
Unemployment
2.70%
Livability
75
Business
70
Elyria
#16Ohio, 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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