Performance
Score Breakdown
Smyrna
Johnstown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Johnstown is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
42% higher compared to Smyrna.
Housing costs are a major driver: Smyrna's average rent is
167% higher than Johnstown's.
| Metric | Smyrna | Johnstown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,750 | $655 | +167% |
| Groceries | $420 | $425 | -1% |
| Utilities | $190 | $239 | -21% |
| Transport | $120 | $387 | -69% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $149 | +1% |
| Monthly Total | $2,630 | $1,855 | +42% |
| Cost Index | 99 | 93 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Smyrna offers 104% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Smyrna delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Smyrna is estimated at
$57,912 vs $35,000 in Johnstown.
| Metric | Smyrna | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,722 | $25,800 |
| Salary Needed | $57,912 | $35,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 53,255 idx | 27,742 idx |
| Household Income | $67,048 | $37,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Smyrna | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Johnstown has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,500 minutes (108 hours) per year compared to Smyrna.
Johnstown 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 | Smyrna | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 33 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Johnstown is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Smyrna.
From a growth perspective, Smyrna is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Smyrna has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Smyrna | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 13,936 | 17,539 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.90% | % |
| Median Age | 34.3 | 44.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.60% | 5.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Smyrna
Advantages
Smyrna is one of the fastest-growing communities in Delaware, indicating strong development and opportunity.
The cost of living in Smyrna is generally lower than the national average, particularly for housing.
The town boasts a quality school district, making it attractive for families.
Smyrna's strategic location provides convenient access to larger job markets in Dover and Wilmington.
The town offers a strong community-focused lifestyle with a walkable downtown and local events.
Drawbacks
Smyrna has a higher crime rate compared to both national and statewide averages, with a worsening crime trajectory.
The town exhibits high car dependency due to a Walk Score of 0.
The average commute time of 33.4 minutes is higher than the national average.
Public transportation options, while available, may have limited frequency and coverage.
Despite growth, the town itself has limited economic opportunities, requiring commutes for many jobs.
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.
Smyrna
#68Delaware, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$52,722
Cost Index
99
Commute
33 min
Transit Score
25.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.90%
Unemployment
4.60%
Livability
68
Business
72
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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