City Comparison
Cordova vs Eugene
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Eugene scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Cordova
Eugene
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Eugene is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
22% higher compared to Cordova.
| Metric | Cordova | Eugene | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,800 | 0% |
| Groceries | $450 | $400 | +13% |
| Utilities | $180 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $90 | +33% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,800 | $2,290 | +22% |
| Cost Index | 120 | 64 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cordova offers similar average salaries.
| Metric | Cordova | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $0 |
| Household Income | $85,132 | $66,562 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Cordova runs warmer on average — a 39.6°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Cordova comes out ahead with 144 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Cordova sees 261.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Cordova | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 39.60°F | °F |
| Summer High | 60.50°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 19.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 118.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 261.40 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 144 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 78.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Cordova has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,500 minutes (108 hours) per year compared to Eugene.
Cordova scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Cordova leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Cordova | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 7 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 21.80 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Eugene is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Eugene is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Cordova has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Cordova | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,353 | 178,675 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.03% |
| Median Age | 37.8 | 35.2 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Cordova
Advantages
Cordova boasts a crime rate significantly lower than the national and state averages, making it one of the safest places to live in Alaska.
The town offers a high quality of life with a livability score of 76/100, exceptional access to outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community.
Alaska's tax-friendly environment, with no state sales or income tax, can help offset some of the higher costs associated with living in Cordova.
Cordova's median household income of $85,132 is higher than the national average, indicating a relatively strong earning potential for residents.
The community is deeply connected to its natural surroundings, offering a unique lifestyle for those who value outdoor activities and a close relationship with the environment.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Cordova is approximately 20% higher than the U.S. national average, primarily due to elevated housing, transportation, and food costs.
Cordova's remote location means it is not connected to the state's road system, requiring travel by plane or ferry, which can be costly and time-consuming.
While Cordova has a critical access hospital, specialized medical care often requires travel to larger cities like Anchorage, impacting healthcare accessibility.
Housing costs, including both home prices and rent, are significantly higher than the national average, making affordability a challenge for some residents.
Job growth and diversity may be limited due to the town's small size and reliance on a few key industries, potentially impacting career advancement opportunities.
Eugene
Advantages
Eugene boasts a high livability score of 79 out of 100, ranking it among the top cities in Oregon and the USA.
The city offers an extensive array of local amenities, including diverse dining, entertainment, and shopping options.
Violent crime rates in Eugene are slightly below the national average, despite a higher overall crime rate driven by property offenses.
Residents enjoy shorter-than-average commute times, with an average of 20.2 minutes in 2024.
The quality of life in Eugene is highly rated by residents, with 82% reporting satisfaction in a 2025 survey.
Drawbacks
Eugene's overall crime rate is approximately 69% above the national rate, primarily due to property crimes.
The cost of living in Eugene is considered high, with housing costs being a significant factor.
Affordable housing choices are a top concern for residents, with many believing the city is heading in the wrong direction on this issue.
Positive views of Eugene as a place to work have declined, falling to 40.2% in 2025.
Nursing home costs in Eugene are among the highest in Oregon, with private rooms costing around $18,098 monthly in 2024-2025.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Cordova
#69Alaska, USA
60.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
120
Commute
7 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
144/yr
Avg Temp
39.60°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
74
Business
68
Eugene
#33Oregon, USA
66.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
64
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.03%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
79
Business
0
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