Performance
Score Breakdown
Biddeford
Johnstown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Johnstown is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
121% higher compared to Biddeford.
Housing costs are a major driver: Biddeford's average rent is
236% higher than Johnstown's.
| Metric | Biddeford | Johnstown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,199 | $655 | +236% |
| Groceries | $426 | $425 | 0% |
| Utilities | $428 | $239 | +79% |
| Transport | $789 | $387 | +104% |
| Healthcare | $252 | $149 | +69% |
| Monthly Total | $4,094 | $1,855 | +121% |
| Cost Index | 122 | 93 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Biddeford offers 162% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Biddeford delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Biddeford is estimated at
$87,960 vs $35,000 in Johnstown.
| Metric | Biddeford | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $67,565 | $25,800 |
| Salary Needed | $87,960 | $35,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 55,381 idx | 27,742 idx |
| Household Income | $72,333 | $37,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Biddeford | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 71.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Johnstown has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Biddeford.
| Metric | Biddeford | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 45.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Biddeford is the larger city
— approximately 1.3x the population of Johnstown.
From a growth perspective, Biddeford is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Biddeford has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Biddeford | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,932 | 17,539 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 35.0 | 44.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.00% | 5.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Biddeford
Advantages
Vibrant downtown with revitalized historic mill buildings and cultural attractions.
Lower unemployment rate (3% in May 2026) compared to the national average.
Strong presence of top industries like Education and Health Care and Social Services providing job opportunities.
Relatively young median age (35.0 years) contributing to a dynamic community.
Access to a full-service hospital, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Biddeford, within the city.
Drawbacks
Overall cost of living is significantly higher than the national average (22% higher in 2026).
Highest violent crime rate in Maine (313.8 per 100K in 2024) and overall crime rate 26% higher than national average.
Housing costs are notably high, with average apartment rent at $2,199/month in July 2026.
High car dependency due to limited public transportation options.
Long-term care costs, such as assisted living and nursing homes, are considerably higher than national averages.
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.
Biddeford
#117Maine, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,199
Avg Salary
$67,565
Cost Index
122
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
45.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
67
Business
68
Johnstown
#132Pennsylvania, 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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