Performance
Score Breakdown
Moncton
Johnstown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Moncton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
27% lower compared to Johnstown.
Housing costs are a major driver: Moncton's average rent is
27% higher than Johnstown's.
| Metric | Moncton | Johnstown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $829 | $655 | +27% |
| Groceries | $258 | $425 | -39% |
| Utilities | $207 | $239 | -13% |
| Transport | $52 | $387 | -87% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $149 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,346 | $1,855 | -27% |
| Cost Index | 63 | 93 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Moncton offers 27% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Moncton delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Moncton is estimated at
$37,259 vs $35,000 in Johnstown.
| Metric | Moncton | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $32,764 | $25,800 |
| Salary Needed | $37,259 | $35,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 52,006 idx | 27,742 idx |
| Household Income | $48,280 | $37,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Moncton | 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
Moncton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Johnstown.
Moncton 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 | Moncton | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 35.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Moncton is the larger city
— approximately 5.8x the population of Johnstown.
From a growth perspective, Moncton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Johnstown has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Moncton | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 102,378 | 17,539 |
| Pop. Growth | 3.70% | % |
| Median Age | 40.8 | 44.0 |
| Unemployment | 9.10% | 5.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Moncton
Advantages
Moncton boasts an affordable cost of living compared to larger Canadian cities.
The city has a strong and growing economy with diverse job opportunities.
Moncton is known for its friendly atmosphere and strong community ties.
Its central location in the Maritimes makes it a strategic hub for transportation and business.
The average commute time in Moncton is relatively short, at 14.7 minutes.
Drawbacks
Access to a family doctor can be challenging, reflecting a broader issue in New Brunswick.
The city experiences harsh winters with significant snow and cold temperatures.
Public transportation options are considered limited compared to larger cities, leading to higher car dependency.
Rapid population growth has led to housing supply strain and an affordability crisis, with rising rents and home prices.
Moncton has seen increases in its crime rate and violent crime severity index in recent years.
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.
Moncton
#6New Brunswick, Canada
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$829
Avg Salary
$32,764
Cost Index
63
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
35.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
3.70%
Unemployment
9.10%
Livability
79
Business
80
Johnstown
#110Pennsylvania, 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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