Performance
Score Breakdown
Amherst
Flin Flon
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Flin Flon is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
58% higher compared to Amherst.
Housing costs are a major driver: Amherst's average rent is
64% higher than Flin Flon's.
| Metric | Amherst | Flin Flon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,050 | $639 | +64% |
| Groceries | $344 | $320 | +8% |
| Utilities | $118 | $107 | +10% |
| Transport | $491 | $150 | +227% |
| Healthcare | $88 | $107 | -18% |
| Monthly Total | $2,091 | $1,323 | +58% |
| Cost Index | 70 | 100 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Flin Flon offers 15% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Amherst delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Amherst is estimated at
$35,000 vs $45,000 in Flin Flon.
| Metric | Amherst | Flin Flon |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $28,448 | $33,285 |
| Salary Needed | $35,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 40,640 idx | 33,285 idx |
| Household Income | $38,920 | $56,800 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Amherst | Flin Flon |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Amherst has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Flin Flon.
Flin Flon scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Flin Flon leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Amherst | Flin Flon |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 34.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | 20.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Amherst is the larger city
— approximately 2.2x the population of Flin Flon.
From a growth perspective, Amherst is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Amherst has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Amherst | Flin Flon |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,072 | 4,661 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | % |
| Median Age | 46.2 | 42.0 |
| Unemployment | 6.30% | 6.91% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Amherst
Advantages
The cost of living in Amherst is 6% lower than the national average, making it a highly affordable place to reside.
Amherst serves as a strategic gateway community into Nova Scotia, offering excellent transportation links and proximity to New Brunswick.
Residents have access to comprehensive healthcare services at the 24/7 Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, which provides a wide range of specialties.
The town is considered a 'very walkable community' with various outdoor and indoor walking options available to residents.
Amherst has experienced a positive population growth rate of 1.8% year-over-year as of 2024, indicating a growing community.
Drawbacks
Amherst's crime rates are significantly higher, reported to be 154% above the Nova Scotia average.
Public transportation options are minimal, with only 0.4% of commuters using it, leading to a high reliance on personal vehicles.
The median household income in Amherst is $38,920 USD, which is lower than the Nova Scotia median household income of $49,950 USD.
With a median age of 46.2 years, the town has an older demographic profile, which may appeal less to younger populations seeking a vibrant youth culture.
Job growth in Nova Scotia, while positive, has slowed to 0.4% in 2025, potentially impacting local employment opportunities.
Flin Flon
Advantages
Median rent is significantly lower than the national average, making housing more affordable.
Access to extensive outdoor recreational activities due to its scenic location amidst lakes and the Precambrian Shield.
The Flin Flon General Hospital provides 24/7 emergency services and a range of acute and outpatient care.
Strong community identity and cultural life, including an annual Trout Festival.
Median household income is comparable to or above provincial and national averages.
Drawbacks
Total crime rates are significantly higher than the national average, particularly violent crimes.
The city has experienced a consistent population decline since the 1960s, with a -1.5% annual decrease in 2026.
Limited public transportation and walkability, necessitating reliance on personal vehicles.
Historically reliant on the mining industry, with the last local mine closing in 2022, posing economic transition challenges.
Lack of recent data for several key economic indicators like unemployment rate and specific job growth rates.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Amherst
#24Nova Scotia, Canada
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,050
Avg Salary
$28,448
Cost Index
70
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
34.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
6.30%
Livability
65
Business
60
Flin Flon
#28British Columbia, Canada
55.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$639
Avg Salary
$33,285
Cost Index
100
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
6.91%
Livability
60
Business
45
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