Performance
Score Breakdown
Amherst
Juneau
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Amherst is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
46% lower compared to Juneau.
Housing costs are a major driver: Amherst's average rent is
29% lower than Juneau's.
| Metric | Amherst | Juneau | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,290 | $1,820 | -29% |
| Groceries | $353 | $690 | -49% |
| Utilities | $132 | $325 | -59% |
| Transport | $185 | $230 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $535 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,960 | $3,600 | -46% |
| Cost Index | 94 | 127 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Juneau offers 66% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Juneau delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Amherst is estimated at
$40,000 vs $81,000 in Juneau.
| Metric | Amherst | Juneau |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $29,060 | $86,000 |
| Salary Needed | $40,000 | $81,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 30,915 idx | 67,717 idx |
| Household Income | $49,410 | $88,100 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Juneau runs warmer on average — a 42.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Juneau comes out ahead with 90 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Juneau sees 87 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Amherst | Juneau |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | 42.10°F |
| Summer High | °F | 64.00°F |
| Winter Low | °F | 22.00°F |
| Rainfall | in | 62.00 in |
| Snowfall | in | 87.00 in |
| Sunny Days | 90 | |
| Humidity | % | 80.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Amherst has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Juneau.
Juneau scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Juneau leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Amherst | Juneau |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 44.1/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 58.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 33.40 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Juneau is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Amherst.
From a growth perspective, Amherst is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Juneau has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Amherst | Juneau |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,072 | 32,000 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | 0.40% |
| Median Age | 46.2 | 38.1 |
| Unemployment | 6.50% | 4.70% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $7.6B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Amherst
Advantages
The cost of living in Amherst is 6% lower than the Canadian national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Housing costs are significantly lower, at 37% below the national average, offering more accessible homeownership and rental opportunities.
The town is actively working on growth and community enhancement, with 149 new housing units approved since 2025 and a strategic plan for development.
Amherst provides access to natural beauty, including nearby beaches and a network of waterfalls, supporting outdoor activities.
The Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre offers comprehensive 24/7 medical services as a regional hospital.
Drawbacks
Amherst's crime rates are considerably higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 197% higher.
Public transportation options are very limited, with only 0.4% of commuters using it, leading to high car dependency.
The average salary in Amherst is lower than the Canadian national average, potentially impacting earning power.
The median age of 46.2 suggests a relatively older population demographic.
Specific data on various quality of life metrics like dining and entertainment options is not extensively available, suggesting a smaller scene compared to larger cities.
Juneau
Advantages
Scenic and unique lifestyle
Drawbacks
Remote and expensive
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Amherst
#7Nova Scotia, Canada
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,290
Avg Salary
$29,060
Cost Index
94
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
6.50%
Livability
60
Business
55
Juneau
#5Alaska, USA
82.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,820
Avg Salary
$86,000
Cost Index
127
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
44.1/10
Walkability
58.0/10
Sunny Days
90/yr
Avg Temp
42.10°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
4.70%
Livability
85
Business
80
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