Performance
Score Breakdown
Sitka
Des Moines
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Des Moines is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
27% higher compared to Sitka.
Housing costs are a major driver: Sitka's average rent is
29% higher than Des Moines's.
| Metric | Sitka | Des Moines | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,498 | $1,162 | +29% |
| Groceries | $500 | $400 | +25% |
| Utilities | $200 | $180 | +11% |
| Transport | $150 | $90 | +67% |
| Healthcare | $300 | $250 | +20% |
| Monthly Total | $2,648 | $2,082 | +27% |
| Cost Index | 130 | 81 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Sitka offers 48% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Des Moines delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Sitka is estimated at
$75,000 vs $55,000 in Des Moines.
| Metric | Sitka | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $95,900 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $75,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,769 idx | 80,247 idx |
| Household Income | $101,727 | $47,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Sitka | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 85.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Sitka has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Des Moines.
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 | Sitka | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 13 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 65.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 73.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | 17.90 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Des Moines is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Sitka 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 | Sitka | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,307 | 209,232 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 39.7 | 38.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.30% | 4.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
Des Moines
Advantages
The Des Moines metropolitan area is experiencing population growth, with an estimated 573,000 residents in 2025, a 1.24% increase from the previous year.
The cost of living in Des Moines is generally lower than the U.S. average.
The average commute time in West Des Moines is just 18 minutes, indicating efficient transportation.
The housing market saw a 0.9% increase in home prices over the three months ending May 2026, with a median price of $217,000.
Des Moines is a major business hub with growing job markets in insurance, finance, and healthcare.
Drawbacks
The city proper of Des Moines has experienced a population decline of approximately -0.55% annually since 2020.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines are higher than the national average.
Summers in Des Moines are hot and humid, with muggy conditions increasing throughout the season.
The median household income in Des Moines ($47,000) is lower than the Iowa state average ($52,000).
The Des Moines housing market, while showing recent price increases, experienced a slight decline in median sale prices in 2024.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Sitka
#8Alaska, 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
Des Moines
#9Iowa, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,162
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
81
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
45.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
75
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