Performance
Score Breakdown
Edmundston
Johnstown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Johnstown is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
2% higher compared to Edmundston.
Housing costs are a major driver: Edmundston's average rent is
96% higher than Johnstown's.
| Metric | Edmundston | Johnstown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,281 | $655 | +96% |
| Groceries | $318 | $425 | -25% |
| Utilities | $125 | $239 | -48% |
| Transport | $163 | $387 | -58% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $149 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,887 | $1,855 | +2% |
| Cost Index | 93 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Edmundston offers 20% higher average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Edmundston is estimated at
$27,130 vs $35,000 in Johnstown.
| Metric | Edmundston | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $30,938 | $25,800 |
| Salary Needed | $27,130 | $35,000 |
| Household Income | $41,464 | $37,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Edmundston | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 76.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Edmundston has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
10,000 minutes (167 hours) per year compared to Johnstown.
Johnstown scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Edmundston leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Edmundston | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 10.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Edmundston is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Johnstown.
From a growth perspective, Edmundston 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 | Edmundston | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 18,508 | 17,539 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.84% | % |
| Median Age | 49.7 | 44.0 |
| Unemployment | 6.91% | 5.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Edmundston
Advantages
Crime rates are 24% lower than the New Brunswick average.
The cost of living is lower than the national average.
Good access to wellness, fitness, and outdoor spaces.
A new regional public transit system, FlexGo, was launched in February 2025.
The city has a strong sense of community.
Drawbacks
Public transit options were historically limited, though improving with FlexGo.
The average salary in Edmundston is 20% lower than the Canadian average.
The population has a higher proportion of seniors compared to the provincial average.
Education options nearby may require commuting.
The median age is higher than 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.
Edmundston
#21New Brunswick, Canada
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,281
Avg Salary
$30,938
Cost Index
Commute
min
Transit Score
10.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.84%
Unemployment
6.91%
Livability
70
Business
0
Johnstown
#106Pennsylvania, 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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