Performance
Score Breakdown
Amherst
Sitka
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Sitka is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
910% higher compared to Amherst.
| Metric | Amherst | Sitka | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,290 | $0 | 0% |
| Groceries | $353 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $132 | $194 | -32% |
| Transport | $185 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,960 | $194 | +910% |
| Cost Index | 94 | 117 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Amherst offers similar average salaries.
| Metric | Amherst | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $29,060 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $40,000 | $0 |
| Household Income | $49,410 | $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 | Amherst | 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 | % | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Amherst 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 | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 13 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Amherst is the larger city
— approximately 1.2x the population of Sitka.
From a growth perspective, Amherst 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 | Amherst | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,072 | 8,368 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | % |
| Median Age | 46.2 | 39.7 |
| Unemployment | 6.50% | 3.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
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.
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.
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
Sitka
#3Alaska, 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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