Cost of Living in Upper Kalskag, AK

With a cost of living index of 86, Upper Kalskag, 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. Upper Kalskag is a small community of 232 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Upper Kalskag's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,025 (22% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $219,400 (28% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.5x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Upper Kalskag is $49,167, which is 35% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 25% 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 Upper Kalskag. The area sees an average annual temperature of 31.4°F, with summers averaging 55°F and winters around 10°F. Annual rainfall totals 19.7 inches spread over roughly 151 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

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.