Performance
Score Breakdown
Amherst
Los Angeles
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Amherst is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
49% lower compared to Los Angeles.
Housing costs are a major driver: Amherst's average rent is
51% lower than Los Angeles's.
| Metric | Amherst | Los Angeles | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,290 | $2,656 | -51% |
| Groceries | $353 | $550 | -36% |
| Utilities | $132 | $320 | -59% |
| Transport | $185 | $150 | +23% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $200 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,960 | $3,876 | -49% |
| Cost Index | 94 | 152 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Los Angeles offers 61% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Los Angeles delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Amherst is estimated at
$40,000 vs $100,000 in Los Angeles.
| Metric | Amherst | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $29,060 | $75,000 |
| Salary Needed | $40,000 | $100,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 30,915 idx | 49,342 idx |
| Household Income | $49,410 | $90,757 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Amherst | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 69.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Amherst has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
8,500 minutes (142 hours) per year compared to Los Angeles.
Los Angeles scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Los Angeles leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Amherst | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 32 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 68.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 75.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Los Angeles is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Amherst is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Los Angeles has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Amherst | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,072 | 3,869,089 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | % |
| Median Age | 46.2 | 37.0 |
| Unemployment | 6.50% | 5.60% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $760.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Amherst
Advantages
The cost of living in Amherst is 6% lower than the Canadian national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Housing costs are significantly lower, at 37% below the national average, offering more accessible homeownership and rental opportunities.
The town is actively working on growth and community enhancement, with 149 new housing units approved since 2025 and a strategic plan for development.
Amherst provides access to natural beauty, including nearby beaches and a network of waterfalls, supporting outdoor activities.
The Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre offers comprehensive 24/7 medical services as a regional hospital.
Drawbacks
Amherst's crime rates are considerably higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 197% higher.
Public transportation options are very limited, with only 0.4% of commuters using it, leading to high car dependency.
The average salary in Amherst is lower than the Canadian national average, potentially impacting earning power.
The median age of 46.2 suggests a relatively older population demographic.
Specific data on various quality of life metrics like dining and entertainment options is not extensively available, suggesting a smaller scene compared to larger cities.
Los Angeles
Advantages
Los Angeles boasts a diverse and robust economy, with strong sectors in healthcare, trade, and entertainment.
The city offers a vibrant cultural scene, including world-class museums, theaters, and a diverse culinary landscape.
Residents enjoy a Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine and mild winters, ideal for outdoor activities.
Los Angeles is a global hub for innovation and technology, attracting talent and fostering new businesses.
The metropolitan area provides access to numerous educational institutions, from community colleges to top-tier universities.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly higher than the national average, primarily driven by expensive housing.
Los Angeles experiences considerable traffic congestion, leading to long commute times and high car dependency.
Housing affordability remains a major challenge, with median home prices exceeding $1.0 million as of April 2026.
The city has experienced population decline in recent years, with Los Angeles County losing over 53,000 residents between July 2024 and July 2025.
The unemployment rate in Los Angeles County, at 5.6% in December 2025, is higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Amherst
#7Nova Scotia, Canada
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,290
Avg Salary
$29,060
Cost Index
94
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
6.50%
Livability
60
Business
55
Los Angeles
#8California, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,656
Avg Salary
$75,000
Cost Index
152
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
50.0/10
Walkability
68.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.60%
Livability
80
Business
75
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