Performance
Score Breakdown
Eugene
Sitka
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Eugene is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
14% lower compared to Sitka.
Housing costs are a major driver: Eugene's average rent is
20% higher than Sitka's.
| Metric | Eugene | Sitka | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,498 | +20% |
| Groceries | $400 | $500 | -20% |
| Utilities | $0 | $200 | -100% |
| Transport | $90 | $150 | -40% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $300 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,290 | $2,648 | -14% |
| Cost Index | 64 | 130 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Sitka offers 100% lower average salaries.
| Metric | Eugene | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $0 | $95,900 |
| Salary Needed | $0 | $75,000 |
| Household Income | $66,562 | $101,727 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Eugene | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 78.00% | 85.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Sitka has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Eugene.
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 | Eugene | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 13 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 65.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 73.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 21.80 | 20.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Eugene is the larger city
— approximately 21.5x the population of Sitka.
From a growth perspective, Eugene 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 | Eugene | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 178,675 | 8,307 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.03% | % |
| Median Age | 35.2 | 39.7 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 3.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
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.
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
Sitka
#18Alaska, 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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