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Williamsport vs Grants Pass

Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.

Pennsylvania, USA
View Williamsport profile
#417 in USA
58
Overall Score
VS
Oregon, USA
View Grants Pass profile
#584 in USA
45
Overall Score
Williamsport scores higher overall

Score Breakdown

Williamsport
Grants Pass
Livability
73
70
Affordability
88
65
Business
64
60
Growth
62
62

Cost of Living

Williamsport is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about 28% lower than in Grants Pass. Housing costs are a major driver: Williamsport's average rent is 34% lower than Grants Pass's.
MetricWilliamsportGrants PassDiff
Average Rent
$950$1,450-34%
Groceries
$380$450-16%
Utilities
$175$400-56%
Transport
$110$120-8%
Healthcare
$230$150+53%
Monthly Total
$1,845$2,570-28%
Cost Index
86112out of 100

Salary & Income

Grants Pass offers 19% lower average salaries. However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Williamsport delivers stronger purchasing power — meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day. The minimum comfortable salary in Williamsport is estimated at $42,000 vs $58,000 in Grants Pass.
MetricWilliamsportGrants Pass
Average Salary
$52,000$64,331
Salary Needed
$42,000$58,000
Purchasing Power
60,465 idx57,438 idx
Household Income
$48,500$59,646

Climate Comparison

Williamsport runs warmer on average — a 51°F difference year-round. For sunshine, Williamsport comes out ahead with 236 more sunny days per year, which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle. Winter severity differs too — Williamsport sees 17.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
MetricWilliamsportGrants Pass
Avg Temp
51.00°F°F
Summer High
81.30°F°F
Winter Low
20.20°F°F
Rainfall
42.60 in in
Snowfall
17.70 in in
Sunny Days
236
Humidity
68.00%74.00%

Commute & Transport

Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other. Williamsport scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living. For walkability, Williamsport leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
MetricWilliamsportGrants Pass
Commute Time
18 min18 min
Transit Score
45.0/10027.0/100
Walkability
58.0/10040.0/100
Traffic Index
32.00
Car Dependency
HighHigh

Economy & Demographics

Grants Pass is the larger city — approximately 0.7x the population of Williamsport. From a growth perspective, Grants Pass is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services. On the employment side, Williamsport has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
MetricWilliamsportGrants Pass
Population
27,48140,051
Pop. Growth
—0.90%
Median Age
39.540.8
Unemployment
4.80%5.60%
GDP
——

Pros & Cons

Williamsport
Advantages
Median home prices and rental rates are significantly below the national average per US Census Bureau data.
World-famous birthplace of Little League Baseball, offering unique cultural events and community pride.
Abundant outdoor recreation access, including the Susquehanna River and nearby state forests.
Strong local healthcare sector anchored by UPMC Williamsport providing comprehensive medical services.
Rich Victorian architectural heritage and a vibrant downtown arts and dining scene.
Drawbacks
Median household income trails behind the broader national and state averages per Census estimates.
Public transit options are limited outside the primary fixed-bus routes, requiring high car dependency.
Limited high-paying corporate or tech sector job growth compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Winters can be cold and snowy, requiring preparation for winter weather conditions.
Gradual population stagnation over recent decades impacting broader municipal tax revenue.
Grants Pass
Advantages
Access to world-class outdoor recreation on the Rogue River, including rafting and fishing.
More sunny days and a warmer, drier climate compared to much of western Oregon.
Housing is comparatively more affordable than larger West Coast cities and some other Oregon metros.
A growing arts and food scene in a walkable, historic downtown.
Friendly community atmosphere appealing to families and retirees.
Drawbacks
Overall crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, particularly due to property crime.
Limited high-wage job opportunities compared to larger economic centers.
Air quality can be impacted by wildfire smoke during certain seasons.
Presence of a significant homeless population in the downtown core.
High car dependency due to minimal public transportation options.

Dive Deeper

Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.

Williamsport
#417
Pennsylvania, USA
57.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
86
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
236/yr
Avg Temp
51.00°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
73
Business
64
View Full Profile
Grants Pass
#584
Oregon, USA
45.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$64,331
Cost Index
112
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
27.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
5.60%
Livability
70
Business
60
View Full Profile

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