Performance
Score Breakdown
Topeka
Johnstown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Johnstown is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
6% higher compared to Topeka.
Housing costs are a major driver: Topeka's average rent is
37% higher than Johnstown's.
| Metric | Topeka | Johnstown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $900 | $655 | +37% |
| Groceries | $450 | $425 | +6% |
| Utilities | $245 | $239 | +3% |
| Transport | $120 | $387 | -69% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $149 | +68% |
| Monthly Total | $1,965 | $1,855 | +6% |
| Cost Index | 86 | 93 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Topeka offers 146% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Topeka delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Topeka is estimated at
$55,000 vs $35,000 in Johnstown.
| Metric | Topeka | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $63,547 | $25,800 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $35,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,892 idx | 27,742 idx |
| Household Income | $69,888 | $37,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Topeka | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 69.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Topeka has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Johnstown.
Topeka scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Johnstown leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Topeka | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 43.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 37.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Topeka is the larger city
— approximately 7.2x the population of Johnstown.
From a growth perspective, Topeka is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Topeka has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Topeka | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,607 | 17,539 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 44.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 5.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Topeka
Advantages
The cost of living in Topeka is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Topeka boasts short average commute times, reducing daily travel stress for residents.
The city offers a strong sense of community, often described as a 'biggest small town' feel.
There is a diverse range of housing options available, catering to various preferences and budgets.
Topeka provides ample parks, trails, and outdoor spaces for recreation and an active lifestyle.
Drawbacks
Topeka has a high crime rate, particularly for violent and property crimes, exceeding national averages.
Public transportation options are minimal, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
Summers in Topeka can be hot and humid, with extreme weather patterns.
Healthcare costs, specifically health insurance premiums, are higher than the national average.
The city's job growth rate is projected to be modest, potentially slower than national and regional 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.
Topeka
#69Kansas, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$900
Avg Salary
$63,547
Cost Index
86
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
43.0/10
Walkability
37.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
72
Business
60
Johnstown
#106Pennsylvania, 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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