Cost of Living in Utqiaġvik, AK

With a cost of living index of 96, Utqiaġvik, AK is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 4% cheaper than the national average and 6% above the Alaska state average of 90. Utqiaġvik is a small community of 4,850 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Utqiaġvik's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,190 (10% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $282,400 (7% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.2x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Utqiaġvik is $89,038, which is 18% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 16% 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 Utqiaġvik. The area sees an average annual temperature of 13.7°F, with summers averaging 39°F and winters around -10°F. Annual rainfall totals 5.4 inches spread over roughly 98 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.