Performance
Score Breakdown
Zhaotong
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Zhaotong is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
57% lower compared to Elyria.
Housing costs are a major driver: Zhaotong's average rent is
70% lower than Elyria's.
| Metric | Zhaotong | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $273 | $917 | -70% |
| Groceries | $300 | $450 | -33% |
| Utilities | $80 | $249 | -68% |
| Transport | $50 | $120 | -58% |
| Healthcare | $100 | $125 | -20% |
| Monthly Total | $803 | $1,861 | -57% |
| Cost Index | 32 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 86% 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 Zhaotong is estimated at
$9,636 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Zhaotong | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $11,172 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $9,636 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 34,913 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $15,000 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Zhaotong | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Zhaotong.
Zhaotong scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Zhaotong leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Zhaotong | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 60.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 65.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Zhaotong is the larger city
— approximately 7.3x the population of Elyria.
From a growth perspective, Zhaotong 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 | Zhaotong | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 390,000 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.09% | % |
| Median Age | 39.4 | |
| Unemployment | 5.50% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Zhaotong
Advantages
Very low cost of living, with average monthly expenses for an individual around $618.
Affordable rental market, with a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costing approximately $273 per month.
Rich agricultural sector, being China's largest high-quality apple production base in the south.
Extensive public bus network providing affordable city transit.
Generally safe environment for residents and travelers.
Drawbacks
Average salaries are significantly lower than national urban averages, with a median after-tax monthly salary of $931.
Lack of a metro or tram system, relying solely on buses for public transit.
Traffic congestion can be heavy on busy main roads.
Limited specific city-level data for various economic and demographic metrics, indicating less developed data infrastructure.
No direct data available for median age, making demographic analysis less complete.
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.
Zhaotong
#13Yunnan, China
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$273
Avg Salary
$11,172
Cost Index
32
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
60.0/10
Walkability
65.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.09%
Unemployment
5.50%
Livability
70
Business
60
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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