Performance
Score Breakdown
Tampa
Sitka
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Sitka is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
1382% higher compared to Tampa.
| Metric | Tampa | Sitka | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,951 | $0 | 0% |
| Groceries | $418 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $294 | $194 | +52% |
| Transport | $120 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $92 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,875 | $194 | +1382% |
| Cost Index | 104 | 117 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tampa offers similar average salaries.
| Metric | Tampa | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $75,475 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $53,832 | $0 |
| Household Income | $75,475 | $101,727 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Sitka runs warmer on average — a 43.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Sitka comes out ahead with 111 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Sitka sees 198.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Tampa | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | 43.90°F |
| Summer High | °F | 60.80°F |
| Winter Low | °F | 28.20°F |
| Rainfall | in | 138.90 in |
| Snowfall | in | 198.70 in |
| Sunny Days | 111 | |
| Humidity | 70.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Sitka has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Tampa.
Tampa scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Tampa leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Tampa | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 13 min |
| Transit Score | 38.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Tampa is the larger city
— approximately 48x the population of Sitka.
From a growth perspective, Tampa 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 | Tampa | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 401,618 | 8,368 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.54% | % |
| Median Age | 35.9 | 39.7 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 3.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Tampa
Advantages
Strong and diverse job market with growth in key sectors like healthcare, finance, and technology.
More affordable cost of living compared to other major Florida cities and national averages, especially in housing.
Vibrant cultural scene with numerous attractions, dining options, and entertainment venues.
Warm climate and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, including beaches and parks.
Growing entrepreneurial ecosystem with support for startups and business innovation.
Drawbacks
Car dependency is high, with limited public transportation options for some areas.
Traffic congestion can be an issue, particularly during peak hours.
Some neighborhoods experience higher crime rates, requiring awareness of safety in specific areas.
Humidity and heat during summer months can be intense.
Housing market, while relatively affordable, has seen price increases and can be competitive.
Sitka
Advantages
Sitka has a livability score of 85/100, ranking it in the 98th percentile of all cities.
The average one-way commute time in Sitka is 13 minutes, significantly shorter than the national average.
Sitka's crime rate is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live.
The median household income in Sitka was $101,727 in 2024, exceeding the national average.
The healthcare sector in Sitka experienced an 8% growth in jobs and an 18% rise in wages from 2022 to 2024.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Sitka is 17% higher than the national average.
Housing shortages and pricing are significant concerns for residents and employers.
The seafood industry, a key economic sector, saw a decline in earnings and jobs from 2023 to 2024.
Sitka's population is on a steady downward trajectory, with a loss of 10.5% from 2014 to 2024.
The average residential electricity bill in Sitka is higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Tampa
#21Florida, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,951
Avg Salary
$75,475
Cost Index
104
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
38.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.54%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
74
Business
68
Sitka
#7Alaska, USA
85.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$0
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
117
Commute
13 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
111/yr
Avg Temp
43.90°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.10%
Livability
85
Business
85
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