Performance
Score Breakdown
Sitka
Akron
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Akron is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
2% higher compared to Sitka.
Housing costs are a major driver: Sitka's average rent is
33% higher than Akron's.
| Metric | Sitka | Akron | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,498 | $1,123 | +33% |
| Groceries | $500 | $742 | -33% |
| Utilities | $200 | $234 | -15% |
| Transport | $150 | $357 | -58% |
| Healthcare | $300 | $130 | +131% |
| Monthly Total | $2,648 | $2,586 | +2% |
| Cost Index | 130 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Sitka offers 31% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Akron delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Sitka is estimated at
$75,000 vs $66,000 in Akron.
| Metric | Sitka | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $95,900 | $73,000 |
| Salary Needed | $75,000 | $66,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,769 idx | 85,882 idx |
| Household Income | $101,727 | $48,076 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Sitka | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 85.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Sitka has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Akron.
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 | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 13 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 65.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 73.0/10 | 48.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Akron 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 | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,307 | 189,664 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 39.7 | 36.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.30% | 3.80% |
| 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.
Akron
Advantages
The overall cost of living in Akron is 15% lower than the national average, making it a highly affordable city.
Housing costs are significantly lower than the national average, with average monthly rent at $1,123 and median home prices around $153,000.
Akron has a diverse economy with strong industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and the polymer sector.
The city offers a public transportation system (METRO RTA) with affordable monthly passes at $50.
Healthcare costs in Akron are approximately 14% lower than the national average.
Drawbacks
Akron has a high crime rate, with an overall crime rate 50% above the national average and a safety grade of C-.
The city is experiencing a projected population decline of -0.9% annually.
Akron has a negative job growth rate, with a 0.461% decline in employed population in 2024.
The lifestyle in Akron is largely car-dependent, with most errands requiring a vehicle and an average Walk Score of 48.
The median household income of $48,076 in 2024 is below the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Sitka
#20Alaska, 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
Akron
#102Ohio, USA
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,123
Avg Salary
$73,000
Cost Index
85
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
48.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
65
Business
55
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