Johnstown, PA vs Wilkes-Barre, PA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Johnstown is 24.2% cheaper than Wilkes-Barre. With a cost index of 53 vs 70, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Johnstown to Wilkes-Barre should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Johnstown is $616/month compared to $939/month in Wilkes-Barre — a 34% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Johnstown is more affordable at $42,100 median vs $108,000.

Median household income in Johnstown is $34,784 compared to $47,970 in Wilkes-Barre (-27.5%). While Wilkes-Barre is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Johnstown spend roughly 21.3% of their income on rent, less than the 23.5% in Wilkes-Barre.