Performance
Score Breakdown
Tampa
Johnstown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Johnstown is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
63% higher compared to Tampa.
Housing costs are a major driver: Tampa's average rent is
175% higher than Johnstown's.
| Metric | Tampa | Johnstown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $655 | +175% |
| Groceries | $552 | $425 | +30% |
| Utilities | $294 | $239 | +23% |
| Transport | $120 | $387 | -69% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $149 | +68% |
| Monthly Total | $3,016 | $1,855 | +63% |
| Cost Index | 100 | 93 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tampa offers 152% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Tampa delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Tampa is estimated at
$70,000 vs $35,000 in Johnstown.
| Metric | Tampa | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $25,800 |
| Salary Needed | $70,000 | $35,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 65,000 idx | 27,742 idx |
| Household Income | $84,114 | $37,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Tampa | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 74.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Johnstown has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Tampa.
Tampa scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Tampa leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Tampa | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 31.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Tampa is the larger city
— approximately 23.9x the population of Johnstown.
From a growth perspective, Tampa is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Tampa has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Tampa | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 419,635 | 17,539 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.47% | % |
| Median Age | 35.9 | 44.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 5.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Tampa
Advantages
Tampa's job market is experiencing significant growth, particularly in education, health services, and financial activities.
The city has seen a substantial reduction in total crime (14.8%) and violent crime (8.4%) in 2024.
The median household income in Tampa increased by over 15% between 2023 and 2024.
Tampa offers a high quality of life with abundant outdoor activities and a vibrant cultural scene.
Healthcare costs in Tampa are generally lower than the Florida state average.
Drawbacks
The violent crime rate in Tampa (444.6 per 100,000) was higher than the national average in 2024.
Housing costs, particularly median home values, have seen a significant increase, making homeownership less accessible for some.
Tampa's population growth rate has slowed in 2024 compared to previous years, with fewer new residents moving to the city.
The city's overall walkability score is moderate, indicating a reliance on cars for many errands.
The unemployment rate in Tampa (4.8% in April 2026) is slightly above 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.
Tampa
#25Florida, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
100
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
31.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.47%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
70
Business
75
Johnstown
#113Pennsylvania, 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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