Cost of Living in Ester, AK

With a cost of living index of 93, Ester, AK is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 7% cheaper than the national average and 3% above the Alaska state average of 90. Ester is a small community of 2,784 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Ester's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,232 (7% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $242,000 (21% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.6x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Ester is $67,640, which is 10% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 22% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. 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 Ester. The area sees an average annual temperature of 28.3°F, with summers averaging 60°F and winters around -4°F. Annual rainfall totals 11.7 inches spread over roughly 107 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Fairbanks-College, 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.