Performance
Score Breakdown
Amherst
Johnstown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Johnstown is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
13% higher compared to Amherst.
Housing costs are a major driver: Amherst's average rent is
60% higher than Johnstown's.
| Metric | Amherst | Johnstown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,050 | $655 | +60% |
| Groceries | $344 | $425 | -19% |
| Utilities | $118 | $239 | -51% |
| Transport | $491 | $387 | +27% |
| Healthcare | $88 | $149 | -41% |
| Monthly Total | $2,091 | $1,855 | +13% |
| Cost Index | 70 | 93 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Amherst offers 10% higher 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 $35,000 in Johnstown.
| Metric | Amherst | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $28,448 | $25,800 |
| Salary Needed | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 40,640 idx | 27,742 idx |
| Household Income | $38,920 | $37,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Amherst | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Amherst has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Johnstown.
Johnstown scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Johnstown leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Amherst | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 34.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Johnstown is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of Amherst.
From a growth perspective, Amherst is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Johnstown has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Amherst | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,072 | 17,539 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | % |
| Median Age | 46.2 | 44.0 |
| Unemployment | 6.30% | 5.80% |
| 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.
Johnstown
Advantages
The cost of living in Johnstown is significantly lower than the national average, particularly for housing.
Median home property values in Johnstown are considerably more affordable than the national average, making homeownership accessible.
The average commute time of 20 minutes is shorter than the national average, improving daily convenience for residents.
Johnstown has a strong healthcare sector with major employers like Conemaugh Health System, providing local job opportunities and medical services.
The city offers a rich historical and cultural experience, including museums and local sports teams.
Drawbacks
Johnstown's population is projected to decline, indicating potential challenges in growth and development.
The median household income in Johnstown is substantially lower than the national average.
A significant percentage of Johnstown families live in poverty, highlighting economic challenges.
The safety index for Johnstown is relatively low, suggesting concerns about crime.
Utilities and transportation costs are slightly higher than the national average, offsetting some of the housing affordability.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Amherst
#25Nova 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
Johnstown
#110Pennsylvania, USA
58.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$655
Avg Salary
$25,800
Cost Index
93
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
45.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.80%
Livability
60
Business
55
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