Fort Yukon, AK vs McGrath, AK

McGrath is moderately more affordable than Fort Yukon, with a 8.8% lower cost of living index. Fort Yukon scores 77 compared to 71 for McGrath, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Fort Yukon can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Fort Yukon is $1,038/month compared to $855/month in McGrath — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: McGrath is more affordable at $102,200 median vs $110,800.

Median household income in Fort Yukon is $39,934 compared to $51,250 in McGrath (-22.1%). McGrath offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Fort Yukon spend roughly 31.2% of their income on rent, more than the 20% in McGrath. The McGrath ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (31.2°F vs 28.9°F). McGrath receives more rainfall at 18.1" per year compared to 15" in Fort Yukon.