Performance
Score Breakdown
Elyria
Sitka
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
30% lower compared to Sitka.
Housing costs are a major driver: Elyria's average rent is
39% lower than Sitka's.
| Metric | Elyria | Sitka | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $917 | $1,498 | -39% |
| Groceries | $450 | $500 | -10% |
| Utilities | $249 | $200 | +25% |
| Transport | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $125 | $300 | -58% |
| Monthly Total | $1,861 | $2,648 | -30% |
| Cost Index | 94 | 130 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Sitka offers 19% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Elyria delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Elyria is estimated at
$30,516 vs $75,000 in Sitka.
| Metric | Elyria | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $95,900 |
| Salary Needed | $30,516 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 82,979 idx | 73,769 idx |
| Household Income | $54,945 | $101,727 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Elyria | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 85.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Sitka has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Elyria.
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 | Elyria | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 13 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 65.0/10 |
| Walkability | 13.0/10 | 73.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 20.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 6.5x the population of Sitka.
From a growth perspective, Elyria 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 | Elyria | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 53,634 | 8,307 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 39.4 | 39.7 |
| Unemployment | 3.40% | 3.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Elyria
Advantages
The cost of living in Elyria is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Elyria boasts a high livability score and ample local amenities, including restaurants, grocery stores, and parks.
The city's crime rate is lower than the national average, contributing to a generally safe environment.
Housing in Elyria is notably affordable, with a median property value significantly below the national average.
Elyria offers a strong sense of community and a friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Drawbacks
The employment sector in Elyria has received a low grade, indicating challenges in the job market.
Public transportation options are limited, leading to high car dependency for most residents.
Some residents perceive a lack of nightlife and entertainment options for adults, describing the city as 'boring' for that demographic.
The city faces issues with road quality, including bad streets and potholes.
Shopping opportunities have been noted as dissipating from what was once a booming city.
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.
Elyria
#14Ohio, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$917
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
94
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
13.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
75
Business
50
Sitka
#19Alaska, 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
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