Performance
Score Breakdown
Charnwood
Johnstown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Johnstown is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
46% higher compared to Charnwood.
Housing costs are a major driver: Charnwood's average rent is
160% higher than Johnstown's.
| Metric | Charnwood | Johnstown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,700 | $655 | +160% |
| Groceries | $450 | $425 | +6% |
| Utilities | $180 | $239 | -25% |
| Transport | $120 | $387 | -69% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $149 | +68% |
| Monthly Total | $2,700 | $1,855 | +46% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 93 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Charnwood offers 176% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Charnwood delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Charnwood is estimated at
$55,000 vs $35,000 in Johnstown.
| Metric | Charnwood | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $71,300 | $25,800 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $35,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 75,053 idx | 27,742 idx |
| Household Income | $67,090 | $37,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Charnwood | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Johnstown has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Charnwood.
Charnwood scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Charnwood leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Charnwood | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Johnstown is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Charnwood.
From a growth perspective, Charnwood is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Charnwood has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Charnwood | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,055 | 17,539 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.03% | % |
| Median Age | 35.0 | 44.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.09% | 5.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Charnwood
Advantages
Affordable property prices compared to ACT averages, offering good entry points for buyers.
Strong community-oriented environment with local markets and festivals fostering a sense of belonging.
Proximity to Belconnen Town Centre provides convenient access to shopping, arts, and recreational facilities.
Crime in Charnwood decreased by 100% from 2024 to 2025, with no homicide cases reported in 2025.
Median house prices in Charnwood saw a 5.6% growth from July 2025 to July 2026.
Drawbacks
Limited high-end properties available in the suburb.
Market fluctuations can occur, impacting property values.
Distance from Canberra's CBD means a longer commute for some residents.
Higher rates of break-ins and motor vehicle theft compared to the ACT average in 2022-2024.
Most daily errands require a car, indicating a medium car dependency.
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.
Charnwood
#1Australian Capital Territory, Australia
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,700
Avg Salary
$71,300
Cost Index
95
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.03%
Unemployment
4.09%
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
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