Shishmaref, AK vs Sutton-Alpine, AK

Shishmaref is moderately more affordable than Sutton-Alpine, with a 12.6% lower cost of living index. Shishmaref scores 75 compared to 86 for Sutton-Alpine, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Sutton-Alpine can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Shishmaref is $950/month compared to $1,023/month in Sutton-Alpine — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Shishmaref is more affordable at $116,700 median vs $213,100.

Median household income in Shishmaref is $62,083 compared to $73,553 in Sutton-Alpine (-15.6%). While Sutton-Alpine is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Shishmaref spend roughly 18.4% of their income on rent, more than the 16.7% in Sutton-Alpine.

Climate-wise, Sutton-Alpine is notably warmer with an average of 37.1°F compared to 24°F in Shishmaref. Sutton-Alpine receives more rainfall at 12.6" per year compared to 11.4" in Shishmaref.