Athens, OH vs Elyria, OH

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Elyria is 18.4% cheaper than Athens. With a cost index of 70 vs 83, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Elyria to Athens should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Athens is $1,029/month compared to $859/month in Elyria — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Elyria is more affordable at $142,800 median vs $242,200.

Median household income in Athens is $37,059 compared to $53,204 in Elyria (-30.3%). Elyria offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Athens spend roughly 33.3% of their income on rent, more than the 19.4% in Elyria. The Elyria ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, Athens is notably warmer with an average of 54.9°F compared to 50.2°F in Elyria. Athens receives more rainfall at 44.2" per year compared to 36.7" in Elyria.