Haines, AK vs Unalaska, AK

The cost of living difference between Haines, AK and Unalaska, AK is dramatic. Haines is 33% cheaper than Unalaska, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Haines has a cost index of 91 while Unalaska sits at 135, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Haines is $914/month compared to $2,040/month in Unalaska — a 55% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Haines is more affordable at $321,000 median vs $448,700.

Median household income in Haines is $72,250 compared to $114,286 in Unalaska (-36.8%). While Unalaska is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Haines spend roughly 15.2% of their income on rent, less than the 21.4% in Unalaska.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (41.9°F vs 39.3°F). Haines receives more rainfall at 47.4" per year compared to 42.7" in Unalaska.