Cost of Living in Johnstown, NY

Population 8,153 · New York · Data vintage 2023

55
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Johnstown is a smaller New York community of around 8000 residents, where median household incomes of $62,333 and housing costs ($147,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.3% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, Johnstown is about 40 miles northwest of Albany, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 34% lower than Albany's $223,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 48
Rent 66

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Johnstown

The median home value in Johnstown is $147,000 — 52% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $861/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,333/year is 16% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.3%, below the national average of 4.8%. New York's top state income tax rate is 10.9% and the combined sales tax is 8.5%. The climate averages highs of 59.4°F and lows of 39.4°F, with about 59.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Johnstown has a cost of living index of 55 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$147,000
52% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$187,895
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$861/mo
34% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.2x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$965
1 BR
$1,051
2 BR
$1,302
3 BR
$1,619
4 BR
$1,813
Owner-occupied 59.6%
Renter-occupied 40.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$861
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,475/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
19.0 min
30% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.5%
Carpooled
6.4%
Walked
6.2%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
8.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 10.9%
Total Sales Tax 8.5%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 4.5%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$62,333
16% below avg
Per Capita Income
$34,473
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
52% below avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
Labor Force Participation
65.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 20.6%
Graduate degree 6.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.1
Male median age 38
Female median age 46.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.4°F
Avg Low
39.4°F
Annual Precip
40.7"
Annual Snowfall
59.2"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 333645597179848274624938
Low °F 161826374857626153413223
Precip" 2.602.283.093.113.414.054.553.763.733.852.993.26
Snow" 15.613.712.01.60.10.00.00.00.00.32.613.3

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

72%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.6:1
Student-teacher ratio
5
Public schools
1,646
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Johnstown, NY?

Johnstown has a cost index of 55 (100 = national average). It is 45% below the national average.

What is average rent in Johnstown, NY?

The median gross rent in Johnstown is $861 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Johnstown?

The median home value in Johnstown is $147,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Johnstown?

The median household income in Johnstown is $62,333 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Johnstown, NY?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Johnstown is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.

Is Johnstown, NY affordable?

Yes, Johnstown is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 55 — about 45% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Johnstown?

Johnstown has average high temperatures of 59.4°F and average lows of 39.4°F. Annual precipitation is 40.7". Average annual snowfall is 59.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Johnstown at a Glance

Population
8,153
Median Income
$62,333
Home Value
$147,000
Median Rent
$861/mo
Unemployment
2.3%
Avg High Temp
59.4°F
Sales Tax
8.5%
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