Home / Compare / Metlakatla vs Thorne Bay

Metlakatla, AK vs Thorne Bay, AK

72
Metlakatla
Alaska
VS
-14.1%
84
Thorne Bay
Alaska

Metlakatla is moderately more affordable than Thorne Bay, with a 14.1% lower cost of living index. Metlakatla scores 72 compared to 84 for Thorne Bay, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Thorne Bay can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Metlakatla is $742/month compared to $934/month in Thorne Bay — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Metlakatla is more affordable at $160,500 median vs $234,600.

Median household income in Metlakatla is $69,107 compared to $61,750 in Thorne Bay (+11.9%). Metlakatla offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Metlakatla spend roughly 12.9% of their income on rent, less than the 18.2% in Thorne Bay.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (45.7°F vs 45.2°F). Metlakatla receives more rainfall at 105.2" per year compared to 89.2" in Thorne Bay.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Metlakatla
72
14% cheaper
Thorne Bay
84
Median Household Income
Metlakatla
$69,107
11% higher
Thorne Bay
$61,750

Housing

Median Rent
Metlakatla
$742
21% cheaper
Thorne Bay
$934
Median Home Value
Metlakatla
$160,500
32% cheaper
Thorne Bay
$234,600
Population
Metlakatla
1,338
Thorne Bay
475

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Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Metlakatla 45.7°F
Thorne Bay 45.2°F
Summer High
Metlakatla 62°F
Thorne Bay 63°F
Winter Low
Metlakatla 31°F
Thorne Bay 31°F
Rainfall
Metlakatla 105.2"
Thorne Bay 89.2"
Rainy Days
Metlakatla 0d
Thorne Bay 244d