Eielson AFB, AK vs Skagway, AK

Skagway is moderately more affordable than Eielson AFB, with a 12.7% lower cost of living index. Eielson AFB scores 122 compared to 108 for Skagway, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Eielson AFB can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

Renters will find that Eielson AFB has a median rent of $2,021/month while Skagway comes in at $1,228/month, a 65% difference.

Median household income in Eielson AFB is $59,716 compared to $85,893 in Skagway (-30.5%). Skagway offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Eielson AFB spend roughly 40.6% of their income on rent, more than the 17.2% in Skagway. The Skagway ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, Skagway is notably warmer with an average of 42.7°F compared to 31.2°F in Eielson AFB. Skagway receives more rainfall at 25.2" per year compared to 15" in Eielson AFB.