Performance
Score Breakdown
Windsor
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Windsor is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
7% lower compared to Elyria.
Housing costs are a major driver: Windsor's average rent is
17% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | Windsor | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,075 | $917 | +17% |
| Groceries | $313 | $450 | -30% |
| Utilities | $176 | $249 | -29% |
| Transport | $63 | $120 | -48% |
| Healthcare | $100 | $125 | -20% |
| Monthly Total | $1,727 | $1,861 | -7% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 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 Windsor is estimated at
$42,600 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Windsor | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $46,605 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,600 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 49,058 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $50,190 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Windsor | 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
Windsor has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
11,500 minutes (192 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
Windsor scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Windsor leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Windsor | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 38.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 42.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Windsor is the larger city
— approximately 4.3x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Windsor 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 | Windsor | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 229,660 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 4.20% | % |
| Median Age | 41.4 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 7.60% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Windsor
Advantages
Median rent of $1,074.78 USD (August 2026) is more affordable than many other major Canadian cities.
Windsor's economy added 6,000 jobs in July 2026, indicating positive employment growth.
Windsor Regional Hospital holds "Accreditation with Exemplary Standing," the highest possible rating for quality patient care [cite: 21, 22 in previous turn].
Overall crime rates in Windsor decreased by 15% in July 2026 compared to the previous year [cite: 28 in previous turn].
Significant investment in the electric vehicle (EV) battery plant and automotive sector is driving economic development [cite: 34 in previous turn, 44 in previous turn].
Drawbacks
The unemployment rate in Windsor was 7.6% in July 2026, which is higher than the national and provincial averages.
Windsor's economy is highly concentrated in the automotive industry, making it vulnerable to trade conflicts and tariffs [cite: 42 in previous turn, 44 in previous turn].
Public perception of crime in Windsor is higher than statistical data suggests, potentially impacting residents' sense of safety [cite: 42 in previous turn].
The labor force participation rate in Windsor has been declining, contrasting with growing rates in Ontario and Canada.
Forecasted economic growth for Windsor in 2026 is slower (0.6%) due to tariffs and uncertainties [cite: 44 in previous turn].
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.
Windsor
#13Ontario, Canada
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,075
Avg Salary
$46,605
Cost Index
95
Commute
min
Transit Score
38.0/10
Walkability
42.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
4.20%
Unemployment
7.60%
Livability
74
Business
68
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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