Cost of Living in Cantwell, AK

With a cost of living index of 83, Cantwell, AK is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 17% cheaper than the national average and 7% below the Alaska state average of 90. Cantwell is a small community of 121 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Cantwell's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $900 (32% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $221,400 (27% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.4x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Cantwell is $41,000, which is 45% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 26% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Cantwell. The area sees an average annual temperature of 28.9°F, with summers averaging 53°F and winters around 8°F. Annual rainfall totals 23.5 inches spread over roughly 0 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Anchorage, AK (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.