Performance
Score Breakdown
Johnstown
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Johnstown is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
0% lower compared to Elyria.
Housing costs are a major driver: Johnstown's average rent is
29% lower than Elyria's.
| Metric | Johnstown | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $655 | $917 | -29% |
| Groceries | $425 | $450 | -6% |
| Utilities | $239 | $249 | -4% |
| Transport | $387 | $120 | +223% |
| Healthcare | $149 | $125 | +19% |
| Monthly Total | $1,855 | $1,861 | -0% |
| Cost Index | 93 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 67% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Elyria delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Johnstown is estimated at
$35,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Johnstown | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $25,800 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $35,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 27,742 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $37,888 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Johnstown | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Johnstown has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
For walkability, Johnstown leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Johnstown | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 45.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Johnstown.
From a growth perspective, Johnstown is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Elyria has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Johnstown | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 17,539 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 44.0 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 5.80% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
Elyria
Advantages
The cost of living in Elyria is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Elyria boasts a high livability score and ample local amenities, including restaurants, grocery stores, and parks.
The city's crime rate is lower than the national average, contributing to a generally safe environment.
Housing in Elyria is notably affordable, with a median property value significantly below the national average.
Elyria offers a strong sense of community and a friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Drawbacks
The employment sector in Elyria has received a low grade, indicating challenges in the job market.
Public transportation options are limited, leading to high car dependency for most residents.
Some residents perceive a lack of nightlife and entertainment options for adults, describing the city as 'boring' for that demographic.
The city faces issues with road quality, including bad streets and potholes.
Shopping opportunities have been noted as dissipating from what was once a booming city.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Johnstown
#102Pennsylvania, 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
Elyria
#13Ohio, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$917
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
94
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
13.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
75
Business
50
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