Performance
Score Breakdown
Tauranga
Johnstown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Tauranga is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
28% lower compared to Johnstown.
| Metric | Tauranga | Johnstown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $668 | $655 | +2% |
| Groceries | $400 | $425 | -6% |
| Utilities | $111 | $239 | -54% |
| Transport | $150 | $387 | -61% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $149 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,329 | $1,855 | -28% |
| Cost Index | 70 | 93 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Johnstown offers 100% lower average salaries.
| Metric | Tauranga | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $0 | $25,800 |
| Salary Needed | $0 | $35,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Tauranga | 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
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Tauranga.
Tauranga scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Tauranga | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 45.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Tauranga is the larger city
— approximately 9.7x the population of Johnstown.
From a growth perspective, Tauranga is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Tauranga has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Tauranga | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,633 | 17,539 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.20% | % |
| Median Age | 39.4 | 44.0 |
| Unemployment | 5.08% | 5.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Tauranga
Advantages
Tauranga's population is growing rapidly, with a 2.2% annual increase to 2026, indicating strong appeal and development.
The city boasts a very high Climate Index of 98.04, offering warm summers and mild winters ideal for outdoor activities.
Tauranga has a high Quality of Life Index of 186.37, reflecting a desirable lifestyle with extensive outdoor access and a relaxed coastal pace.
The Port of Tauranga is New Zealand's largest, making the city a significant hub for international trade and a strong export economy, particularly in horticulture.
The cost of living index is moderate at 66.55 (relative to NYC), suggesting it is more affordable than many major global cities.
Drawbacks
Housing affordability is a pressure point, with average home values over $1 million NZD as of March 2026.
Public transportation is not yet optimized, making private vehicle ownership often essential for commuting.
The city has fewer career opportunities and limited higher education options compared to larger metropolitan centers.
Tauranga experiences congested port traffic, which can impact local transportation and infrastructure.
Specific monthly grocery costs for Tauranga are difficult to ascertain for 2024+, with available data appearing lower than typical estimates.
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.
Tauranga
#2Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$668
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
70
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
35.0/10
Walkability
45.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.20%
Unemployment
5.08%
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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