Performance
Score Breakdown
Lincoln
Johnstown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Johnstown is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
590% higher compared to Lincoln.
Housing costs are a major driver: Lincoln's average rent is
108% higher than Johnstown's.
| Metric | Lincoln | Johnstown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,363 | $655 | +108% |
| Groceries | $400 | $425 | -6% |
| Utilities | $260 | $239 | +9% |
| Transport | $1,200 | $387 | +210% |
| Healthcare | $9,572 | $149 | +6324% |
| Monthly Total | $12,795 | $1,855 | +590% |
| Cost Index | 94 | 93 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Lincoln offers 179% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Lincoln delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Lincoln is estimated at
$52,000 vs $35,000 in Johnstown.
| Metric | Lincoln | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $71,867 | $25,800 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $35,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 76,454 idx | 27,742 idx |
| Household Income | $71,867 | $37,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Lincoln | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Lincoln scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Lincoln leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Lincoln | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Lincoln is the larger city
— approximately 17.3x the population of Johnstown.
From a growth perspective, Lincoln is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Lincoln has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Lincoln | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 303,375 | 17,539 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.61% | % |
| Median Age | 33.4 | 44.0 |
| Unemployment | 2.60% | 5.80% |
| GDP | $150.9B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Lincoln
Advantages
Lincoln's cost of living is approximately 6% lower than the national average, driven by more affordable housing and utilities.
The city boasts a low unemployment rate of 2.6% as of May 2026, significantly lower than the national average.
Lincoln has a shorter average commute time of 19.5 minutes, saving residents time compared to the national average.
The city is recognized for its exceptional public safety, with Part 1 crime reaching a 25-year low in 2025.
Over 40% of adults in Lincoln have a bachelor's degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Drawbacks
While overall cost of living is lower, healthcare costs in Lincoln are about 3% higher than the U.S. average.
Lincoln's employment and wage growth rates have been nearly identical to Omaha's, which have been slower than comparable cities.
Public transportation options, while affordable, have a limited reach around the city.
The state of Nebraska, including Lincoln, has experienced low population and labor force growth due to people relocating to other states.
Some goods and services in Lincoln are approximately 4% pricier than the national average.
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.
Lincoln
#21Nebraska, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,363
Avg Salary
$71,867
Cost Index
94
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.61%
Unemployment
2.60%
Livability
74
Business
68
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
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