Cost of Living in Johnstown, PA
Population 18,245 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Johnstown run well below national norms — a median of $34,784 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $42,000). A poverty rate near 31% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Geographically, Johnstown is about 55 miles east of Pittsburgh, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 78% lower than Pittsburgh's $193,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Johnstown
The median home value in Johnstown is $42,100 — 86% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $616/month, 53% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $34,784/year is 53% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Pennsylvania's top state income tax rate is 3.1% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 57.2°F and lows of 40.6°F. Overall, Johnstown has a cost of living index of 27 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 73% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 33 | 36 | 45 | 58 | 68 | 75 | 79 | 77 | 71 | 59 | 47 | 38 |
| Low °F | 19 | 21 | 28 | 38 | 49 | 57 | 61 | 60 | 53 | 43 | 33 | 25 |
| Precip" | 2.54 | 2.53 | 3.12 | 3.54 | 4.12 | 4.40 | 4.22 | 3.95 | 3.99 | 3.06 | 3.11 | 2.68 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Johnstown, PA?
Johnstown has a cost index of 27 (100 = national average). It is 73% below the national average.
What is average rent in Johnstown, PA?
The median gross rent in Johnstown is $616 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Johnstown?
The median home value in Johnstown is $42,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Johnstown?
The median household income in Johnstown is $34,784 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Johnstown, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Johnstown is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Johnstown, PA affordable?
Yes, Johnstown is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 27 — about 73% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Johnstown?
Johnstown has average high temperatures of 57.2°F and average lows of 40.6°F. Annual precipitation is 41.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Johnstown at a Glance
- Population
- 18,245
- Median Income
- $34,784
- Home Value
- $42,100
- Median Rent
- $616/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data