Performance
Score Breakdown
Omaha
Sitka
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Omaha is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
9% lower compared to Sitka.
| Metric | Omaha | Sitka | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,498 | -3% |
| Groceries | $400 | $500 | -20% |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 | -10% |
| Transport | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $300 | -17% |
| Monthly Total | $2,400 | $2,648 | -9% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 130 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Sitka offers 32% 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 Omaha is estimated at
$55,000 vs $75,000 in Sitka.
| Metric | Omaha | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,465 | $95,900 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 71,158 idx | 73,769 idx |
| Household Income | $73,201 | $101,727 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Omaha | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 85.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Sitka has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Omaha.
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 | Omaha | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 13 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 65.0/10 |
| Walkability | 47.0/10 | 73.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 20.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Omaha is the larger city
— approximately 59.5x the population of Sitka.
From a growth perspective, Omaha is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Omaha has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Omaha | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 494,169 | 8,307 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.84% | % |
| Median Age | 35.3 | 39.7 |
| Unemployment | 2.90% | 3.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Omaha
Advantages
The cost of living in Omaha is 8.1% lower than the U.S. average, making it highly affordable.
Omaha boasts a low unemployment rate of 2.9% as of May 2026, indicating a strong job market.
The average commute time is relatively short at 19.6 minutes in 2024.
Median household income was $73,201 in 2024, reflecting healthy earning potential.
The city has a diverse and growing economy driven by key sectors like healthcare, finance, and education.
Drawbacks
Omaha has a 'Car-Dependent' Walk Score of 47 and 'Minimal Transit' Transit Score of 30, indicating limited public transportation and walkability options.
Assisted living costs in Omaha, at $6,150 per month in 2024, are higher than the state average.
The city experienced a slight population decline of 0.6% from April 2020 to mid-2025 according to one estimate, though other projections show growth.
While generally safe, like any major city, crime rates can be a concern in specific areas.
Specific job growth rates and new business formation rates for 2024+ were not consistently available, making it difficult to quantify recent economic momentum.
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.
Omaha
#21Nebraska, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$65,465
Cost Index
92
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
47.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.84%
Unemployment
2.90%
Livability
74
Business
70
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Omaha and Sitka.
Open Cost Calculator