Shishmaref, AK vs Skagway, AK

The cost of living difference between Shishmaref, AK and Skagway, AK is dramatic. Shishmaref is 30.5% cheaper than Skagway, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Shishmaref has a cost index of 75 while Skagway sits at 108, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Shishmaref is $950/month compared to $1,228/month in Skagway — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Shishmaref is more affordable at $116,700 median vs $415,900.

Median household income in Shishmaref is $62,083 compared to $85,893 in Skagway (-27.7%). The higher salaries in Skagway partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Shishmaref spend roughly 18.4% of their income on rent, more than the 17.2% in Skagway.

Climate-wise, Skagway is notably warmer with an average of 42.7°F compared to 24°F in Shishmaref. Skagway receives more rainfall at 25.2" per year compared to 11.4" in Shishmaref.