Performance
Score Breakdown
Summerside
Johnstown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Summerside is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
20% lower compared to Johnstown.
Housing costs are a major driver: Summerside's average rent is
35% higher than Johnstown's.
| Metric | Summerside | Johnstown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $882 | $655 | +35% |
| Groceries | $312 | $425 | -27% |
| Utilities | $186 | $239 | -22% |
| Transport | $46 | $387 | -88% |
| Healthcare | $50 | $149 | -66% |
| Monthly Total | $1,476 | $1,855 | -20% |
| Cost Index | 99 | 93 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Summerside offers 19% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Summerside delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Summerside is estimated at
$35,280 vs $35,000 in Johnstown.
| Metric | Summerside | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $30,659 | $25,800 |
| Salary Needed | $35,280 | $35,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 30,969 idx | 27,742 idx |
| Household Income | $45,050 | $37,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Summerside | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 78.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Summerside 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 | Summerside | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 26.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Summerside is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Johnstown.
From a growth perspective, Summerside 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 | Summerside | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 19,557 | 17,539 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.90% | % |
| Median Age | 44.9 | 44.0 |
| Unemployment | 7.60% | 5.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Summerside
Advantages
Growing economy with diversification into aerospace, IT, and renewable energy sectors.
Lower housing costs compared to many larger Canadian cities, attracting retirees and remote workers.
Strong sense of community and welcoming environment.
Access to local produce and seafood, contributing to a good quality of life.
Municipally owned electric utility, demonstrating leadership in green energy initiatives.
Drawbacks
Summerside's crime rates are significantly higher than the national average, particularly for property and violent crimes.
The city is largely car-dependent due to limited public transit options.
Average salaries in Summerside are lower than the Canadian national average.
The unemployment rate in Prince Edward Island (and by extension, Summerside) is higher than the national average.
Housing affordability is becoming a concern, with incomes lagging behind rising home prices, making it challenging for some 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.
Summerside
#24Prince Edward Island, Canada
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$882
Avg Salary
$30,659
Cost Index
99
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
26.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.90%
Unemployment
7.60%
Livability
70
Business
72
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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