Performance
Score Breakdown
Biddeford
Sitka
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Sitka is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
55% higher compared to Biddeford.
Housing costs are a major driver: Biddeford's average rent is
47% higher than Sitka's.
| Metric | Biddeford | Sitka | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,199 | $1,498 | +47% |
| Groceries | $426 | $500 | -15% |
| Utilities | $428 | $200 | +114% |
| Transport | $789 | $150 | +426% |
| Healthcare | $252 | $300 | -16% |
| Monthly Total | $4,094 | $2,648 | +55% |
| Cost Index | 122 | 130 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Sitka offers 30% 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 Biddeford is estimated at
$87,960 vs $75,000 in Sitka.
| Metric | Biddeford | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $67,565 | $95,900 |
| Salary Needed | $87,960 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 55,381 idx | 73,769 idx |
| Household Income | $72,333 | $101,727 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Biddeford | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 71.00% | 85.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Sitka has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,500 minutes (92 hours) per year compared to Biddeford.
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 | Biddeford | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 13 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 65.0/10 |
| Walkability | 45.0/10 | 73.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Biddeford is the larger city
— approximately 2.8x the population of Sitka.
From a growth perspective, Biddeford is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Biddeford has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Biddeford | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,932 | 8,307 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 35.0 | 39.7 |
| Unemployment | 3.00% | 3.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Biddeford
Advantages
Vibrant downtown with revitalized historic mill buildings and cultural attractions.
Lower unemployment rate (3% in May 2026) compared to the national average.
Strong presence of top industries like Education and Health Care and Social Services providing job opportunities.
Relatively young median age (35.0 years) contributing to a dynamic community.
Access to a full-service hospital, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Biddeford, within the city.
Drawbacks
Overall cost of living is significantly higher than the national average (22% higher in 2026).
Highest violent crime rate in Maine (313.8 per 100K in 2024) and overall crime rate 26% higher than national average.
Housing costs are notably high, with average apartment rent at $2,199/month in July 2026.
High car dependency due to limited public transportation options.
Long-term care costs, such as assisted living and nursing homes, are considerably higher than national averages.
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.
Biddeford
#85Maine, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,199
Avg Salary
$67,565
Cost Index
122
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
45.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
67
Business
68
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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