Performance
Score Breakdown
Al Nakheel
Johnstown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Al Nakheel is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
3% lower compared to Johnstown.
Housing costs are a major driver: Al Nakheel's average rent is
14% higher than Johnstown's.
| Metric | Al Nakheel | Johnstown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $747 | $655 | +14% |
| Groceries | $600 | $425 | +41% |
| Utilities | $180 | $239 | -25% |
| Transport | $150 | $387 | -61% |
| Healthcare | $120 | $149 | -19% |
| Monthly Total | $1,797 | $1,855 | -3% |
| Cost Index | 65 | 93 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Al Nakheel offers 74% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Al Nakheel delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Al Nakheel is estimated at
$30,000 vs $35,000 in Johnstown.
| Metric | Al Nakheel | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $44,795 | $25,800 |
| Salary Needed | $30,000 | $35,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 68,915 idx | 27,742 idx |
| Household Income | $72,000 | $37,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Al Nakheel | 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
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Al Nakheel.
Al Nakheel scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Al Nakheel leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Al Nakheel | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Al Nakheel is the larger city
— approximately 2.3x the population of Johnstown.
From a growth perspective, Al Nakheel is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Al Nakheel has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Al Nakheel | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 40,000 | 17,539 |
| Pop. Growth | 3.00% | % |
| Median Age | 32.0 | 44.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.00% | 5.80% |
| GDP | $13.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Al Nakheel
Advantages
Cost of living is significantly lower than in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, particularly for housing.
Ras Al Khaimah's economy is growing rapidly, with strong performance in manufacturing and tourism.
The emirate was ranked 1st globally for expatriates to 'get started abroad' in 2024, indicating an easy transition for newcomers.
Access to a wide range of quality healthcare facilities, including several major hospitals.
Diverse natural landscapes offering extensive outdoor activities, from beaches to mountains.
Drawbacks
Public transportation frequency is limited, leading to high car dependency for most residents.
Summers are extremely hot and muggy, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C (104°F).
Specific, granular demographic data for Al Nakheel (e.g., median age, household income) is not readily available, requiring reliance on emirate-level estimates.
While growing, the entertainment and nightlife options may be less extensive compared to larger emirates like Dubai.
Some specific cost breakdowns, like doctor visits without insurance, require estimation due to lack of direct data.
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.
Al Nakheel
#7Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$747
Avg Salary
$44,795
Cost Index
65
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
3.00%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
77
Business
80
Johnstown
#112Pennsylvania, 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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