Performance
Score Breakdown
Vestavia Hills
Sitka
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Sitka is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
1444% higher compared to Vestavia Hills.
| Metric | Vestavia Hills | Sitka | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,995 | $0 | 0% |
| Groceries | $450 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $120 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,995 | $194 | +1444% |
| Cost Index | 115 | 117 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Vestavia Hills offers similar average salaries.
| Metric | Vestavia Hills | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $66,812 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $52,560 | $0 |
| Household Income | $134,369 | $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 | Vestavia Hills | 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 | 72.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Sitka has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Vestavia Hills.
Vestavia Hills scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Vestavia Hills | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 13 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Vestavia Hills is the larger city
— approximately 4.8x the population of Sitka.
From a growth perspective, Vestavia Hills is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Vestavia Hills has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Vestavia Hills | Sitka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 40,556 | 8,368 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.50% | % |
| Median Age | 41.7 | 39.7 |
| Unemployment | 1.80% | 3.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Vestavia Hills
Advantages
Vestavia Hills boasts a crime rate 51% below the national average as of 2026, making it a very safe community.
The city's public schools are highly rated, contributing to its reputation as an excellent place for families.
The median household income of $134,369 in 2024 is significantly higher than the national average, indicating strong economic prosperity.
Residents enjoy a high quality of life, with a livability score of 83/100, placing it in the 97th percentile of cities.
The average commute time of 19.3 minutes is shorter than the national average, enhancing daily convenience for residents.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Vestavia Hills is notably higher than the national average, particularly for housing.
Walkability in Vestavia Hills is low, with a walk score of 0/100, indicating high car dependency.
Public transportation options are limited, requiring most residents to rely on personal vehicles for commuting and daily errands.
While overall crime is low, the robbery rate in Vestavia Hills is 28% above the national average as of 2026.
The city's amenities score is rated 'F' by one source, suggesting potential limitations in certain recreational or service offerings.
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.
Vestavia Hills
#7Alabama, USA
80.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,995
Avg Salary
$66,812
Cost Index
115
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.50%
Unemployment
1.80%
Livability
83
Business
75
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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