Alaska has a cost of living index of 90 (US average = 100) with a median household income of $67,815 and a population of 718,025. We ranked 15 cities based on affordability, income, housing value, and climate to find the best places to call home in Alaska.
Chena Ridge is 4% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $140,722 and a population of 5,927.
Steele Creek is 8% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $117,260 and a population of 5,861.
Sterling is 2% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $110,341 and a population of 6,776.
Anchorage is 12% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $98,152 and a population of 289,069.
Tanaina is 4% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $95,587 and a population of 9,738.
Gateway is 22% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $137,150 and a population of 6,716.
Badger is 10% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $98,042 and a population of 19,033.
North Lakes is 9% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $102,785 and a population of 10,583.
Kalifornsky is 3% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $91,081 and a population of 8,136.
Fairbanks is 1% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $72,077 and a population of 32,242.
Ketchikan is 5% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $76,835 and a population of 8,151.
Knik-Fairview is 12% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $95,000 and a population of 18,921.
Bethel is 16% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $109,718 and a population of 6,313.
College is 1% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $76,831 and a population of 11,730.
Kenai is 8% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $74,907 and a population of 7,562.
Our livability score combines four data-driven factors: affordability (35% — cost of living index relative to national average), income (25% — median household income from the Census Bureau), housing value (15% — home price to income ratio), and climate (15% — NOAA temperature normals favoring moderate climates). Population serves as a proxy for amenities (10%).
Only cities with at least 5,000–10,000 residents are included. Data sourced from the US Census Bureau, Zillow, HUD, and NOAA.