Cost of Living in Sutton-Alpine, AK

With a cost of living index of 86, Sutton-Alpine, AK is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 14% cheaper than the national average and 4% below the Alaska state average of 90. Sutton-Alpine is a small community of 1,361 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Sutton-Alpine's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,023 (22% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $213,100 (30% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.9x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Sutton-Alpine is $73,553, which is 2% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 17% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Sutton-Alpine. The area sees an average annual temperature of 37.1°F, with summers averaging 57°F and winters around 18°F. Annual rainfall totals 12.6 inches spread over roughly 98 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.