Performance
Score Breakdown
Sturgis
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
25% higher compared to Sturgis.
Housing costs are a major driver: Sturgis's average rent is
47% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Sturgis | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,350 | $917 | +47% |
| Groceries | $422 | $450 | -6% |
| Utilities | $180 | $249 | -28% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $125 | +100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,322 | $1,861 | +25% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 55% 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 Sturgis is estimated at
$55,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Sturgis | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $34,935 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 37,973 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $54,404 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Sturgis | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Sturgis has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 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.
| Metric | Sturgis | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 1.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 3.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Sturgis.
From a growth perspective, Sturgis is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Sturgis has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Sturgis | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,899 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 40.3 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 2.40% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Sturgis
Advantages
The cost of living in Sturgis is 8% less expensive than the national average.
Housing costs in Sturgis are more affordable than the national average.
Sturgis has an excellent Livability Score of 75/100.
The median home sale price increased by 3.6% year-over-year as of May 2026.
Monument Health Sturgis Hospital has a 75% patient recommendation rate.
Drawbacks
Sturgis's population is currently declining at an annual rate of -0.33%.
Crime rates in Sturgis are 2% higher than the South Dakota average.
Public transit options are very limited, with a transit score of 1/10.
Healthcare costs in Sturgis are less affordable than the U.S. average.
The median individual income in Sturgis ($35,129 in 2024) is lower than the national average.
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.
Sturgis
#28South Dakota, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,350
Avg Salary
$34,935
Cost Index
92
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
1.0/10
Walkability
3.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
2.40%
Livability
75
Business
65
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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