City Comparison
Smithfield vs Johnston
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Smithfield scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Smithfield
Johnston
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Smithfield is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
6% lower than in Johnston.
Housing costs are a major driver: Smithfield's average rent is
11% lower than Johnston's.
| Metric | Smithfield | Johnston | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,850 | $2,072 | -11% |
| Groceries | $420 | $400 | +5% |
| Utilities | $210 | $180 | +17% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,850 | $3,022 | -6% |
| Cost Index | 108 | 105 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Smithfield offers 6% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Smithfield delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Smithfield is estimated at
$62,000 vs $60,000 in Johnston.
| Metric | Smithfield | Johnston |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $76,000 | $72,000 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $60,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 70,370 idx | 68,571 idx |
| Household Income | $105,400 | $91,866 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 1.1°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Smithfield sees 1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Smithfield | Johnston |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 50.60°F | 51.70°F |
| Summer High | 79.40°F | 80.60°F |
| Winter Low | 20.80°F | 22.30°F |
| Rainfall | 44.80 in | 46.30 in |
| Snowfall | 20.90 in | 19.90 in |
| Sunny Days | 252 | 253 |
| Humidity | 66.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Johnston scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Johnston leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Smithfield | Johnston |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 32.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 35.0/100 | 52.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 48.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Johnston is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of Smithfield.
From a growth perspective, Johnston is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Smithfield has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Smithfield | Johnston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,118 | 30,626 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | 0.43% |
| Median Age | 43.5 | 44.5 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Smithfield
Advantages
Violent and property crime rates remain significantly lower than the national average per FBI and local law enforcement data.
Home to Bryant University, providing strong educational opportunities and an intellectually vibrant community atmosphere.
Conveniently situated near major highways like I-295, offering easy commutes to Providence and Boston.
Abundant access to natural green spaces, including Stump Pond and municipal parks for outdoor recreation.
Consistently well-rated local public school system that attracts families to the area.
Drawbacks
High cost of housing and competitive real estate market limit affordable options for first-time buyers.
High car dependency makes daily errands and commuting difficult without personal vehicle access.
Limited public transportation infrastructure with infrequent bus service outside major corridors.
Property tax rates in Rhode Island can impose a heavy financial burden on homeowners.
Limited local nightlife and entertainment options compared to nearby Providence.
Johnston
Advantages
Median household income stands at a robust $91,866 per census data, outperforming national averages.
Convenient location in Providence County providing quick access to downtown Providence and major highways.
Quiet, family-friendly residential neighborhoods such as Winsor Hill and Graniteville.
Active local municipal governance with dedicated community parks and recreational programming.
Close proximity to top-tier healthcare systems and medical centers in Rhode Island.
Drawbacks
Average rent prices exceed $2,000 per month, reflecting broader regional housing pressures.
High car dependency with limited public transit infrastructure within town boundaries.
Property tax rates and real estate costs have risen steadily in line with statewide trends.
Varying winter weather conditions require reliable snow removal and vehicle preparation.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options directly within town borders, requiring trips to Providence.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Smithfield
#151Rhode Island, USA
65.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,850
Avg Salary
$76,000
Cost Index
108
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
32.0/100
Walkability
35.0/100
Sunny Days
252/yr
Avg Temp
50.60°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
80
Business
70
Johnston
#253Rhode Island, USA
62.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,072
Avg Salary
$72,000
Cost Index
105
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
253/yr
Avg Temp
51.70°F
Pop. Growth
0.43%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
76
Business
70
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