F
31%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
85%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Johnstown Colorado National
Cost of living131115100
Groceries107104100
Health care108107100
Housing185136100
Transportation107106100
Utilities109108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment105107100
Household Items107105100
Education & Childcare111111100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Johnstown, CO

Knowing the cost of living in Johnstown allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Johnstown stands at 131, marking it 31% higher than the national average.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Johnstown may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Johnstown falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs significantly influence the Johnstown cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 84.7%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Johnstown Affordable?

Is Johnstown an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Johnstown is 96.9% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 56.2% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Johnstown has a median household income of $170,089, which is 109.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Johnstown?

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Johnstown, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 2.9%, and income tax rates start at 4.4%.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Johnstown, healthcare costs are 8.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Johnstown are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Johnstown is 13% higher than the Colorado average
  • The cost of living in Johnstown is 31% higher than the national average
  • Johnstown housing is 85% higher than the national average
  • Colorado general sales tax is 43% lower than the national average
  • Colorado state income tax is 69% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Johnstown

See all the best places to live around Johnstown

Compare Johnstown, CO Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$177,868$14,822$4,150$5,337
      Renters$0$0$0$0
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Johnstown is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Johnstown has a median income of about $177,868 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $4,150 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $0. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $0 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      Colorado Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Colorado 2.9% 10%

      Colorado Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Colorado 4.4% 4.4%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Garden City, CO214990.9%
      Gilcrest, CO1,41511212.4%
      La Salle, CO3,44811514.7%
      Evans, CO22,67811515.2%
      Greeley, CO110,93511716.9%
      Johnstown, CO14,65513130.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Hawaiian Gardens, CA14,65614242.3%
      Olympia Heights, FL14,65613030.3%
      West Freehold, NJ14,65714241.8%
      Johnson City, NY14,660954.9%
      Lindenhurst, IL14,6371099.3%
      Johnstown, CO14,65513130.7%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.