Performance
Score Breakdown
Amherst
Olympia
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Amherst is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
25% lower compared to Olympia.
Housing costs are a major driver: Amherst's average rent is
42% lower than Olympia's.
| Metric | Amherst | Olympia | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,050 | $1,800 | -42% |
| Groceries | $344 | $420 | -18% |
| Utilities | $118 | $216 | -45% |
| Transport | $491 | $120 | +309% |
| Healthcare | $88 | $250 | -65% |
| Monthly Total | $2,091 | $2,806 | -25% |
| Cost Index | 70 | 113 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Olympia offers 64% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Olympia delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Amherst is estimated at
$35,000 vs $75,000 in Olympia.
| Metric | Amherst | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $28,448 | $80,000 |
| Salary Needed | $35,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 40,640 idx | 70,796 idx |
| Household Income | $38,920 | $81,302 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Amherst | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Amherst has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Olympia.
Olympia scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Olympia leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Amherst | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 34.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Olympia is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Amherst.
From a growth perspective, Amherst is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Olympia has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Amherst | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,072 | 57,869 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | 1.70% |
| Median Age | 46.2 | 40.5 |
| Unemployment | 6.30% | 4.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
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.
Olympia
Advantages
Olympia's projected population growth rate of 1.7% for 2026 indicates a growing and dynamic community.
The city offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, along with extensive outdoor recreational opportunities due to its natural surroundings.
Utility costs in Olympia are approximately 10% lower than the national average, providing some financial relief to residents.
The average commute time of 20 minutes is relatively short compared to many larger metropolitan areas.
Olympia's median household income of $81,302 in 2024 is higher than the national median, supporting a comfortable lifestyle for many residents.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Olympia is 13% higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing expenses.
Average rent for apartments in Olympia increased by 6% year-over-year as of June 2026, indicating rising housing costs.
Healthcare costs in Olympia are significantly higher, approximately 24% above the national average.
Transportation expenses are 28% higher than the national average, impacting daily budgets for commuters.
The unemployment rate in Olympia was 4.8% in April 2026, slightly higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Amherst
#4Nova 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
Olympia
#5Washington, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$80,000
Cost Index
113
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.70%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
80
Business
70
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