Performance
Score Breakdown
Miami
Johnstown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Johnstown is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
109% higher compared to Miami.
Housing costs are a major driver: Miami's average rent is
243% higher than Johnstown's.
| Metric | Miami | Johnstown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,247 | $655 | +243% |
| Groceries | $765 | $425 | +80% |
| Utilities | $378 | $239 | +58% |
| Transport | $368 | $387 | -5% |
| Healthcare | $128 | $149 | -14% |
| Monthly Total | $3,886 | $1,855 | +109% |
| Cost Index | 120 | 93 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Miami offers 136% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Miami delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Miami is estimated at
$87,156 vs $35,000 in Johnstown.
| Metric | Miami | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $60,900 | $25,800 |
| Salary Needed | $87,156 | $35,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 50,750 idx | 27,742 idx |
| Household Income | $62,462 | $37,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Miami | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Johnstown has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Miami.
Miami scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Miami leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Miami | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 65.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 77.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Miami is the larger city
— approximately 27.9x the population of Johnstown.
From a growth perspective, Miami is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Miami has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Miami | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 489,812 | 17,539 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.07% | % |
| Median Age | 39.3 | 44.0 |
| Unemployment | 2.80% | 5.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Miami
Advantages
Miami was ranked the second-most walkable city in the U.S. in 2025, with a walkability score of 77 out of 100.
The city boasts a diverse and growing economy, with strong sectors in technology, healthcare, and international trade.
Florida has no state income tax, which can be a significant financial advantage for residents and businesses.
Miami offers a vibrant cultural scene, influenced by its rich Latin American heritage, with diverse dining, music, and entertainment options.
The presence of highly-ranked hospitals like Baptist Health Baptist Hospital and Jackson Memorial Hospital ensures access to quality healthcare.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Miami is significantly higher than the national average, with housing expenses being 57% more expensive.
Average rent in Miami is 35% higher than the national average, making it one of the most expensive rental markets in the U.S..
While improving, traffic congestion can be a challenge, and car dependency remains a factor for many residents outside highly walkable areas.
The median household income in Miami ($62,462 in 2024) is lower than the national average, potentially impacting affordability for some residents.
Summers in Miami are hot and humid, with a high likelihood of rainfall and tropical weather events.
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.
Miami
#5Florida, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,247
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
120
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
65.0/10
Walkability
77.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.07%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
82
Business
80
Johnstown
#121Pennsylvania, 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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Miami and Johnstown.
Open Cost Calculator