Performance
Score Breakdown
Amherst
Anchorage
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Amherst is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
47% lower compared to Anchorage.
Housing costs are a major driver: Amherst's average rent is
34% lower than Anchorage's.
| Metric | Amherst | Anchorage | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,290 | $1,950 | -34% |
| Groceries | $353 | $670 | -47% |
| Utilities | $132 | $310 | -57% |
| Transport | $185 | $240 | -23% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $520 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,960 | $3,690 | -47% |
| Cost Index | 94 | 119 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Anchorage offers 65% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Anchorage delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Amherst is estimated at
$40,000 vs $79,000 in Anchorage.
| Metric | Amherst | Anchorage |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $29,060 | $84,000 |
| Salary Needed | $40,000 | $79,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 30,915 idx | 70,588 idx |
| Household Income | $49,410 | $86,500 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Anchorage runs warmer on average — a 37.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Anchorage comes out ahead with 126 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Anchorage sees 79.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Amherst | Anchorage |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | 37.50°F |
| Summer High | °F | 66.00°F |
| Winter Low | °F | 11.00°F |
| Rainfall | in | 16.50 in |
| Snowfall | in | 79.20 in |
| Sunny Days | 126 | |
| Humidity | % | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Amherst has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Anchorage.
Anchorage scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Amherst leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Amherst | Anchorage |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 31.5/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 42.2/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Anchorage is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Amherst is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Anchorage has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Amherst | Anchorage |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,072 | 291,247 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 46.2 | 34.5 |
| Unemployment | 6.50% | 5.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $57.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Amherst
Advantages
The cost of living in Amherst is 6% lower than the Canadian national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Housing costs are significantly lower, at 37% below the national average, offering more accessible homeownership and rental opportunities.
The town is actively working on growth and community enhancement, with 149 new housing units approved since 2025 and a strategic plan for development.
Amherst provides access to natural beauty, including nearby beaches and a network of waterfalls, supporting outdoor activities.
The Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre offers comprehensive 24/7 medical services as a regional hospital.
Drawbacks
Amherst's crime rates are considerably higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 197% higher.
Public transportation options are very limited, with only 0.4% of commuters using it, leading to high car dependency.
The average salary in Amherst is lower than the Canadian national average, potentially impacting earning power.
The median age of 46.2 suggests a relatively older population demographic.
Specific data on various quality of life metrics like dining and entertainment options is not extensively available, suggesting a smaller scene compared to larger cities.
Anchorage
Advantages
Outdoor lifestyle opportunities
Drawbacks
Higher living costs
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Amherst
#7Nova Scotia, Canada
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,290
Avg Salary
$29,060
Cost Index
94
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
6.50%
Livability
60
Business
55
Anchorage
#4Alaska, USA
84.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,950
Avg Salary
$84,000
Cost Index
119
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
31.5/10
Walkability
42.2/10
Sunny Days
126/yr
Avg Temp
37.50°F
Pop. Growth
0.70%
Unemployment
5.20%
Livability
87
Business
82
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Amherst and Anchorage.
Open Cost Calculator