Performance
Score Breakdown
Amherst
Los Angeles
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Amherst is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
31% lower compared to Los Angeles.
Housing costs are a major driver: Amherst's average rent is
52% lower than Los Angeles's.
| Metric | Amherst | Los Angeles | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,050 | $2,184 | -52% |
| Groceries | $344 | $450 | -24% |
| Utilities | $118 | $231 | -49% |
| Transport | $491 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $88 | $150 | -41% |
| Monthly Total | $2,091 | $3,015 | -31% |
| Cost Index | 70 | 149 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Los Angeles offers 42% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Amherst delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Amherst is estimated at
$35,000 vs $61,558 in Los Angeles.
| Metric | Amherst | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $28,448 | $48,651 |
| Salary Needed | $35,000 | $61,558 |
| Purchasing Power | 40,640 idx | 32,652 idx |
| Household Income | $38,920 | $81,939 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Amherst | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Amherst has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
7,500 minutes (125 hours) per year compared to Los Angeles.
For walkability, Amherst leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Amherst | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 30 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 34.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Los Angeles is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Amherst is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Los Angeles has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Amherst | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,072 | 3,863,148 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | % |
| Median Age | 46.2 | 37.2 |
| Unemployment | 6.30% | 5.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $1,000.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Amherst
Advantages
The cost of living in Amherst is 6% lower than the national average, making it a highly affordable place to reside.
Amherst serves as a strategic gateway community into Nova Scotia, offering excellent transportation links and proximity to New Brunswick.
Residents have access to comprehensive healthcare services at the 24/7 Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, which provides a wide range of specialties.
The town is considered a 'very walkable community' with various outdoor and indoor walking options available to residents.
Amherst has experienced a positive population growth rate of 1.8% year-over-year as of 2024, indicating a growing community.
Drawbacks
Amherst's crime rates are significantly higher, reported to be 154% above the Nova Scotia average.
Public transportation options are minimal, with only 0.4% of commuters using it, leading to a high reliance on personal vehicles.
The median household income in Amherst is $38,920 USD, which is lower than the Nova Scotia median household income of $49,950 USD.
With a median age of 46.2 years, the town has an older demographic profile, which may appeal less to younger populations seeking a vibrant youth culture.
Job growth in Nova Scotia, while positive, has slowed to 0.4% in 2025, potentially impacting local employment opportunities.
Los Angeles
Advantages
Los Angeles boasts a diverse and robust economy, particularly in entertainment, healthcare, and technology sectors, offering varied job opportunities.
The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Healthcare quality is high, with major institutions like LA General Medical Center receiving top safety grades and exceeding state benchmarks.
Los Angeles is a global cultural hub, offering a rich array of arts, dining, and entertainment options.
Homicides in Los Angeles decreased by 19% in 2025 compared to 2024, marking the lowest number since 1966.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly high, with housing expenses being 135% higher than the national average.
Los Angeles is a highly car-dependent city, leading to severe traffic congestion and long commute times, averaging 30 minutes.
The city's population is experiencing a slight annual decline, with a -0.15% growth rate projected for 2026.
Despite improvements, Los Angeles's safety score of 58/100 indicates a moderate crime rate, higher than the average U.S. city.
Utility costs in Los Angeles are 9% higher than the national average, adding to the overall expense of living.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Amherst
#24Nova Scotia, Canada
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,050
Avg Salary
$28,448
Cost Index
70
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
34.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
6.30%
Livability
65
Business
60
Los Angeles
#64California, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,184
Avg Salary
$48,651
Cost Index
149
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.20%
Livability
70
Business
75
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