Performance
Score Breakdown
Sterling Heights
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
4% higher compared to Sterling Heights.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $870 | $917 | -5% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $297 | $249 | +19% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $125 | +100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,937 | $1,861 | +4% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 34% 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 Sterling Heights is estimated at
$45,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,264 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 53,962 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $79,909 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 64.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
For walkability, Elyria leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Sterling Heights is the larger city
— approximately 2.5x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Sterling Heights 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 | Sterling Heights | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 133,851 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 41.7 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 5.70% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Sterling Heights
Advantages
Sterling Heights has been ranked the #1 Best City in Michigan for First-Time Home Buyers in 2025 by WalletHub.
The city has consistently been named the safest big city in Michigan for six consecutive years, based on FBI crime reports from 2024.
The overall cost of living in Sterling Heights is 5% lower than the national average, with housing expenses being 28% lower.
Sterling Heights offers a diverse community with a welcoming atmosphere and numerous community events and recreational opportunities.
The average commute time of 24.7 minutes is shorter than the national average, and the city provides strong highway access.
Drawbacks
Public transportation options in Sterling Heights are limited, contributing to a high car dependency.
The city has a low walkability score, meaning most amenities require driving.
Healthcare costs in Sterling Heights are estimated to be 11% higher than the national average.
Some residents express frustration with traffic and congestion, particularly on major roads.
There is a perceived lack of unique retail and nightlife options, with a desire for more pedestrian-friendly areas.
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.
Sterling Heights
#5Michigan, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$870
Avg Salary
$51,264
Cost Index
95
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.70%
Livability
80
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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