Performance
Score Breakdown
Anchorage
Eugene
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Eugene is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
38% higher compared to Anchorage.
Housing costs are a major driver: Anchorage's average rent is
12% lower than Eugene's.
| Metric | Anchorage | Eugene | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,583 | $1,800 | -12% |
| Groceries | $623 | $400 | +56% |
| Utilities | $409 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $350 | $90 | +289% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $3,165 | $2,290 | +38% |
| Cost Index | 125 | 64 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Anchorage offers similar average salaries.
| Metric | Anchorage | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $61,814 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $125,309 | $0 |
| Household Income | $103,284 | $66,562 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Anchorage | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 78.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Anchorage scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Anchorage leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Anchorage | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 52.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 31.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 31.00 | 21.80 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Anchorage is the larger city
— approximately 1.6x the population of Eugene.
From a growth perspective, Eugene 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 | Anchorage | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 286,278 | 178,675 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.03% |
| Median Age | 35.2 | 35.2 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Anchorage
Advantages
No state income tax allows residents to keep a larger portion of their earnings.
Exceptional access to stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities.
Strong job market in key sectors like healthcare, oil & gas, and transportation.
Friendly community and welcoming atmosphere with a small-town feel.
Shorter average commute time compared to the national average.
Drawbacks
Overall cost of living is significantly higher than the national average.
Higher property crime rate compared to the national average.
Limited public transportation options lead to high car dependency.
Challenging winter weather conditions with short daylight hours.
Elevated healthcare costs compared to the national average.
Eugene
Advantages
Eugene boasts a high livability score of 79 out of 100, ranking it among the top cities in Oregon and the USA.
The city offers an extensive array of local amenities, including diverse dining, entertainment, and shopping options.
Violent crime rates in Eugene are slightly below the national average, despite a higher overall crime rate driven by property offenses.
Residents enjoy shorter-than-average commute times, with an average of 20.2 minutes in 2024.
The quality of life in Eugene is highly rated by residents, with 82% reporting satisfaction in a 2025 survey.
Drawbacks
Eugene's overall crime rate is approximately 69% above the national rate, primarily due to property crimes.
The cost of living in Eugene is considered high, with housing costs being a significant factor.
Affordable housing choices are a top concern for residents, with many believing the city is heading in the wrong direction on this issue.
Positive views of Eugene as a place to work have declined, falling to 40.2% in 2025.
Nursing home costs in Eugene are among the highest in Oregon, with private rooms costing around $18,098 monthly in 2024-2025.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Anchorage
#54Alaska, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,583
Avg Salary
$61,814
Cost Index
125
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
52.0/10
Walkability
31.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
72
Business
68
Eugene
#4Oregon, USA
79.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
64
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.03%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
79
Business
0
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