US News says a PA city is among the most affordable places to live in America
A Pennsylvania Rust Belt city was ranked recently among the cheapest places to live in America by U.S. News & World Report.
Johnstown, which is about 90 minutes east of Pittsburgh and 90 minutes southwest of State College, is the only city in Cambria County. U.S. News & World Report placed it 16th on its list based on housing costs for renters and homeowners. The publication also includes Johnstown in its best places to live and retire.
Median rent and utility costs in Johnstown are $616 per month, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, about $100 lower than the area and half that of statewide costs. Mortgage payments are likewise lower, at $889 per month, with owner-occupied home values sitting at $42,100. Median home values for the Johnstown area as a whole are more than double that at $116,000, and Pennsylvania’s median home value is $240,000.
Income, like rent, is comparatively low in Johnstown. The city’s median annual household income is $34,784, half that of the state and a little more than half that of the region.
The Western Pennsylvania city, like many once tied to coal and steel, has seen a steep population decline from its peak in the early 20th century, but that drop has stagnated in recent years. At about 18,000 people strong, Johnstown is a midsize city by Pennsylvania standards and a little less than half the size of nearby Altoona.
A plurality of Johnstown area workers are in education, health care and social services, per the Census Bureau, with retail and manufacturing as runner-ups, in line with statewide trends. The University of Pittsburgh has a branch campus a short drive from the city, and other major employers include hospitals and defense contractors.
Johnstown is bisected by the Stonycreek River and has a few small parks in its downtown. Three state parks lie within a 30-minute drive of the city, as well as state game lands. Blue Knob All Seasons Resort, a moderately sized but challenging ski resort, is 40 minutes outside the city.
The Flood City Music Festival, which originally presented folk acts, but has expanded to other genres, takes place each summer in Peoples Natural Gas Park. The space also hosts events throughout the year. Johnstown also has a children’s museum and a museum dedicated to the 1889 flood from which its nickname is derived.
‘Most Affordable Places to Live in the U.S. in 2025-2026’
U.S. News & World Report’s full 2025-26 list includes:
1. Decatur, Ill.
2. Enid, Okla.
3. Weirton, W.Va.
4. Springfield, Ill.
5. Mission, Texas
6. Bay City, Mich.
7. Eagle Pass, Texas
8. Fort Smith, Ark.
9. Anniston, Ala.
10. Midland, Mich.
11. Laredo, Texas
12. League City, Texas
13. Broken Arrow, Okla.
14. Katy, Texas
15. Wichita Falls, Texas
16. Johnstown, Pa.
17. Cedar Rapids, Iowa
18. Dothan, Ala.
19. St. Joseph, Mo.
20. Joplin, Mo.
21. Harlingen, Texas
22. Florence, S.C.
23. McAllen, Texas
24. Florissant, Mo.
25. Battle Creek, Mich.
