Performance
Score Breakdown
Newark
Johnstown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Johnstown is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
57% higher compared to Newark.
Housing costs are a major driver: Newark's average rent is
152% higher than Johnstown's.
| Metric | Newark | Johnstown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,649 | $655 | +152% |
| Groceries | $409 | $425 | -4% |
| Utilities | $371 | $239 | +55% |
| Transport | $351 | $387 | -9% |
| Healthcare | $139 | $149 | -7% |
| Monthly Total | $2,919 | $1,855 | +57% |
| Cost Index | 106 | 93 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Newark offers 98% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Newark delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Newark is estimated at
$51,960 vs $35,000 in Johnstown.
| Metric | Newark | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,024 | $25,800 |
| Salary Needed | $51,960 | $35,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 48,136 idx | 27,742 idx |
| Household Income | $76,912 | $37,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Newark | 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
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Newark scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Newark leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Newark | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Newark is the larger city
— approximately 1.7x the population of Johnstown.
From a growth perspective, Newark is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Newark has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Newark | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 30,311 | 17,539 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 22.1 | 44.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.60% | 5.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Newark
Advantages
Home to Christiana Hospital, Delaware's only Level I trauma center, ensuring high-quality healthcare access.
The University of Delaware provides extensive educational opportunities and a vibrant cultural scene.
Median household income of $76,912 in 2024 is competitive.
Relatively affordable compared to nearby major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and New York.
Average commute time is relatively short at 19 minutes.
Drawbacks
The city's population is projected to be declining at an annual rate of -0.16% in 2026.
Newark has a high poverty rate of 27.73%.
Housing costs are 10.5% higher than the national average.
The median age of 22.1 years suggests a transient student population, potentially impacting long-term community stability.
Utilities and groceries are slightly more expensive 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.
Newark
#22Delaware, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,649
Avg Salary
$51,024
Cost Index
106
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.60%
Livability
74
Business
68
Johnstown
#105Pennsylvania, 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 Newark and Johnstown.
Open Cost Calculator