Performance
Score Breakdown
Billings
Johnstown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Johnstown is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
11% higher compared to Billings.
Housing costs are a major driver: Billings's average rent is
112% higher than Johnstown's.
| Metric | Billings | Johnstown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,390 | $655 | +112% |
| Groceries | $364 | $425 | -14% |
| Utilities | $306 | $239 | +28% |
| Transport | $0 | $387 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $149 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,060 | $1,855 | +11% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 93 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Billings offers 165% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Billings delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Billings is estimated at
$71,000 vs $35,000 in Johnstown.
| Metric | Billings | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,328 | $25,800 |
| Salary Needed | $71,000 | $35,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 71,924 idx | 27,742 idx |
| Household Income | $73,712 | $37,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Billings | 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
Billings has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 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 | Billings | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 35.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Billings is the larger city
— approximately 7.1x the population of Johnstown.
From a growth perspective, Billings is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Billings has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Billings | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 123,723 | 17,539 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | % |
| Median Age | 38.8 | 44.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.30% | 5.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Billings
Advantages
Billings offers a relatively low cost of living, with an index of 95 compared to the U.S. average of 100.
The city boasts a strong and resilient economy, driven by key sectors like healthcare, energy, and agriculture, with a job growth rate of 1.35% (2023-2024).
Residents benefit from advanced healthcare services, including the Billings Clinic, recognized as the best hospital in Southeast Montana.
Billings provides abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, with access to the Yellowstone River, Rimrocks, and proximity to Yellowstone National Park.
The average commute time is short, around 16.5 minutes, contributing to a more relaxed daily rhythm.
Drawbacks
The city has a low Transit Score of 25 and a Walk Score of 35, indicating high car dependency and limited public transportation options.
Safety scores are relatively low (40/100), and residents report lower feelings of safety in downtown areas compared to other communities.
Some everyday expenses, such as groceries and transportation, are slightly higher than the national average.
Winters can be cold and snowy, requiring preparation for harsh weather conditions.
While the city has a bike score of 63, it does not have many dedicated bike lanes.
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.
Billings
#13Montana, USA
77.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,390
Avg Salary
$68,328
Cost Index
95
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
25.0/10
Walkability
35.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
3.30%
Livability
77
Business
68
Johnstown
#112Pennsylvania, 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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