Performance
Score Breakdown
Calgary
Johnstown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Calgary is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
7% lower compared to Johnstown.
Housing costs are a major driver: Calgary's average rent is
80% higher than Johnstown's.
| Metric | Calgary | Johnstown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,177 | $655 | +80% |
| Groceries | $268 | $425 | -37% |
| Utilities | $125 | $239 | -48% |
| Transport | $90 | $387 | -77% |
| Healthcare | $71 | $149 | -52% |
| Monthly Total | $1,731 | $1,855 | -7% |
| Cost Index | 65 | 93 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Calgary offers 107% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Calgary delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Calgary is estimated at
$46,129 vs $35,000 in Johnstown.
| Metric | Calgary | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $53,505 | $25,800 |
| Salary Needed | $46,129 | $35,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 82,315 idx | 27,742 idx |
| Household Income | $69,893 | $37,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Calgary | 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
Johnstown has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Calgary.
Calgary 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 | Calgary | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 39.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 125.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Calgary is the larger city
— approximately 91.2x the population of Johnstown.
From a growth perspective, Calgary 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 | Calgary | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,600,000 | 17,539 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.53% | % |
| Median Age | 38.8 | 44.0 |
| Unemployment | 6.80% | 5.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Calgary
Advantages
Calgary has a high median household after-tax income compared to other major Canadian cities, at $107,400 CAD (2021 Census).
The city's Crime Severity Index fell to a near historic low of 61.7 in 2025, well below the national average.
Calgary's tech ecosystem is experiencing rapid growth, expanding at four times the Canadian average since 2021.
Alberta has the lowest provincial tax rate nationally, with no provincial sales tax or land transfer tax, making everyday purchases and homeownership more affordable.
Calgary offers a high quality of life, with 78% of residents rating it as good or excellent in 2025.
Drawbacks
Despite overall safety, property crime remains a significant concern in Calgary, with 51,999 incidents in 2025.
Calgary is largely a car-dependent city, with an average Walk Score of 39, indicating that most errands require a car.
The unemployment rate in Calgary was 6.8% in December 2025, which, while improved, remains a factor for job seekers.
Only 10% of Calgarians live within walking distance of fast and frequent public transit service, limiting car-free convenience.
Rising housing costs, including rent and home purchase prices, continue to be an important consideration for residents.
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.
Calgary
#6Alberta, Canada
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,177
Avg Salary
$53,505
Cost Index
65
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
39.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.53%
Unemployment
6.80%
Livability
78
Business
80
Johnstown
#108Pennsylvania, 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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