Cost of Living in Alaska

Alaska has a cost of living index of 90, making it 10% less expensive than the national average. The statewide median household income is $67,815 (10% below the US median of $75,149). Across 262 cities tracked in Alaska, costs vary widely depending on location, proximity to metro areas, and local housing markets.

Housing drives most of the variation. The average median rent across Alaska cities is $1,087/mo (18% below the national median of $1,319), and the average median home value is $205,713 (33% below the national figure of $304,900). There is a 31-point spread between the most affordable city, Kenai (index 92), and the most expensive, Gateway (index 122) — a moderate range typical of states with a mix of urban and rural areas.

When evaluating Alaska, it helps to look beyond the state average. Individual city costs can deviate significantly — use the map and rankings below to compare specific locations.

The largest cities in Alaska by population are Anchorage (index 112, pop. 289,069), Fairbanks (index 101, pop. 32,242), Juneau city and (index 116, pop. 31,969), Badger (index 110, pop. 19,033), and Knik-Fairview (index 112, pop. 18,921). All of these major cities are above the state average, a pattern common in states where metro areas drive up costs relative to rural communities.

Data: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow, HUD, BEA Regional Price Parities. Updated monthly.