Performance
Score Breakdown
Alexandria
Sitka
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Alexandria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
27% lower compared to Sitka.
Housing costs are a major driver: Alexandria's average rent is
35% lower than Sitka's.
| Metric | Alexandria | Sitka | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $974 | $1,498 | -35% |
| Groceries | $395 | $500 | -21% |
| Utilities | $226 | $200 | +13% |
| Transport | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $300 | -27% |
| Monthly Total | $1,935 | $2,648 | -27% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 130 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Sitka offers 48% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Sitka delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Alexandria is estimated at
$38,952 vs $75,000 in Sitka.
| Metric | Alexandria | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $50,107 | $95,900 |
| Salary Needed | $38,952 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 54,464 idx | 73,769 idx |
| Household Income | $47,113 | $101,727 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Alexandria | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 73.00% | 85.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Sitka has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Alexandria.
Sitka scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Sitka leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Alexandria | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 13 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 65.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 73.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Alexandria is the larger city
— approximately 5.3x the population of Sitka.
From a growth perspective, Alexandria is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Sitka has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Alexandria | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 44,060 | 8,307 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 37.6 | 39.7 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 3.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Alexandria
Advantages
The overall cost of living in Alexandria is 8% lower than the national average, primarily due to significantly lower housing expenses.
Housing costs are 26% lower than the national average, with a median home price of $175,000 in May 2026.
The average commute time is relatively short at 17.4 minutes, contributing to a better work-life balance.
Alexandria is a regional healthcare hub with at least four major hospitals, and healthcare costs are 11% lower than the national average.
The city's economy is diverse, with a 3.32% job growth rate between 2023 and 2024.
Drawbacks
Alexandria has a very high violent crime rate, 671% above the national average, resulting in an 'F' safety grade.
The city's population is projected to decline by 1.3% annually, indicating a negative growth trend.
Summers are consistently hot, humid, and often described as oppressive.
A significant portion of the population, 27%, lives below the poverty line as of 2024.
The city exhibits high car dependency, with 77.7% of residents driving alone to work.
Sitka
Advantages
Sitka boasts crime rates that are 66% lower than the Alaska average and a violent crime rate far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live.
The city offers unparalleled access to nature, including over 50 miles of trails, world-class fishing, and opportunities for boating and camping within the Tongass National Forest.
Residents benefit from a very walkable community, with a Walk Score of 73 out of 100, allowing most errands to be accomplished on foot.
Alaska has no state sales tax, inheritance tax, or personal property tax, which can be a financial advantage for residents.
The median household income in Sitka was $101,727 in 2024, significantly exceeding the national average.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Sitka is high, particularly for groceries and medical care, due to its remote island location and reliance on shipped goods.
Sitka experiences a housing shortage, especially during peak months, and a lack of affordable housing is a key workforce challenge.
The city's remote location means long travel times and challenges with shipping items, as it is only accessible by boat or plane and has no road connections to other towns.
Sitka has an oceanic climate characterized by abundant precipitation and long, overcast winters, with rain being common year-round.
A lack of affordable childcare is a significant challenge for working families in Sitka.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Alexandria
#97Louisiana, USA
55.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$974
Avg Salary
$50,107
Cost Index
92
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
50
Business
60
Sitka
#18Alaska, USA
74.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,498
Avg Salary
$95,900
Cost Index
130
Commute
13 min
Transit Score
65.0/10
Walkability
73.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.30%
Livability
86
Business
75
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