Performance
Score Breakdown
Johnstown
Dallas
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Johnstown is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
23% lower compared to Dallas.
Housing costs are a major driver: Johnstown's average rent is
54% lower than Dallas's.
| Metric | Johnstown | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $655 | $1,412 | -54% |
| Groceries | $425 | $450 | -6% |
| Utilities | $239 | $281 | -15% |
| Transport | $387 | $126 | +207% |
| Healthcare | $149 | $135 | +10% |
| Monthly Total | $1,855 | $2,404 | -23% |
| Cost Index | 93 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Dallas offers 58% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Dallas delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Johnstown is estimated at
$35,000 vs $96,970 in Dallas.
| Metric | Johnstown | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $25,800 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $35,000 | $96,970 |
| Purchasing Power | 27,742 idx | 60,297 idx |
| Household Income | $37,888 | $70,518 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Johnstown | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Johnstown has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Dallas.
Dallas scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Dallas leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Johnstown | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Walkability | 45.0/10 | 60.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 41.00 |
| Car Dependency | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Dallas is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Dallas has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Johnstown | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 17,539 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 44.0 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 5.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
Dallas
Advantages
Violent crime in Dallas dropped by 12% in 2025, indicating an improving safety landscape.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is a leader in economic growth, ranking highly for job creation and business investment.
Dallas is recognized as a top city for dining out, offering affordable options for mid-range meals.
Texas has no state income tax, which can lead to higher take-home pay for residents.
The city boasts a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, ranking 27th globally for startups in 2026.
Drawbacks
Property crime remains a significant challenge in Dallas, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
Utility costs in Dallas are higher than the national average, primarily due to electricity expenses.
Dallas experiences notable traffic congestion, with commuters spending considerable time in traffic.
Despite overall metro growth, the city of Dallas experienced a slight population decline in 2025.
While public transit exists, high car dependency is a reality for navigating the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Johnstown
#99Pennsylvania, 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
Dallas
#1Texas, USA
85.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,412
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
101
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.52%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
80
Business
88
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