Cost of Living in Alaska
Housing costs, rent, income, and affordability for 330 cities in AK. Updated 2026.
Understanding the cost of living in Alaska is essential whether you're planning a move, comparing job offers, or evaluating real estate investments. This page breaks down housing costs, rent prices, and median household income for every city in Alaska, with comparisons to national averages.
Alaska's average home value of $150,018 is 39% below the national median of $244,900. The average median household income is $53,841, and average monthly rent is $550.
Most Affordable Cities in Alaska
Cities with population 5,000+ ranked by lowest median home value.
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kenai | $249,400 | $1,134/mo | $74,907 | 7,562 |
| 2 | Fairbanks | $255,700 | $1,470/mo | $72,077 | 32,242 |
| 3 | Palmer | $275,900 | $1,134/mo | $70,550 | 6,141 |
| 4 | College | $279,100 | $1,405/mo | $76,831 | 11,730 |
| 5 | Badger | $291,600 | $1,672/mo | $98,042 | 19,033 |
| 6 | Tanaina | $298,500 | $1,393/mo | $95,587 | 9,738 |
| 7 | Meadow Lakes | $305,100 | $1,308/mo | $81,250 | 8,994 |
| 8 | Kalifornsky | $306,200 | $1,371/mo | $91,081 | 8,136 |
| 9 | Knik-Fairview | $311,800 | $1,615/mo | $95,000 | 18,921 |
| 10 | Kodiak | $314,800 | $1,430/mo | $71,373 | 5,497 |
| 11 | Wasilla | $325,000 | $1,104/mo | $70,756 | 9,435 |
| 12 | Steele Creek | $331,200 | $980/mo | $117,260 | 5,861 |
| 13 | North Lakes | $338,900 | $1,459/mo | $102,785 | 10,583 |
| 14 | Ketchikan | $340,300 | $1,319/mo | $76,835 | 8,151 |
| 15 | Sterling | $346,100 | $1,095/mo | $110,341 | 6,776 |
Most Expensive Cities in Alaska
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sitka city and | $442,100 | $1,350/mo | $101,207 | 8,393 |
| 2 | Gateway | $436,200 | $1,612/mo | $137,150 | 6,716 |
| 3 | Juneau city and | $432,500 | $1,462/mo | $100,513 | 31,969 |
| 4 | Chena Ridge | $411,600 | $1,148/mo | $140,722 | 5,927 |
| 5 | Anchorage | $375,900 | $1,453/mo | $98,152 | 289,069 |
| 6 | South Lakes | $367,700 | $1,191/mo | $89,632 | 6,132 |
| 7 | Homer | $363,700 | $1,230/mo | $73,723 | 5,750 |
| 8 | Fishhook | $361,900 | $1,784/mo | $101,518 | 5,461 |
| 9 | Bethel | $354,400 | $1,657/mo | $109,718 | 6,313 |
| 10 | Sterling | $346,100 | $1,095/mo | $110,341 | 6,776 |
Highest Income Cities in Alaska
| # | City | Median Income | Home Value | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chena Ridge | $140,722 | $411,600 | 5,927 |
| 2 | Gateway | $137,150 | $436,200 | 6,716 |
| 3 | Steele Creek | $117,260 | $331,200 | 5,861 |
| 4 | Sterling | $110,341 | $346,100 | 6,776 |
| 5 | Bethel | $109,718 | $354,400 | 6,313 |
| 6 | North Lakes | $102,785 | $338,900 | 10,583 |
| 7 | Fishhook | $101,518 | $361,900 | 5,461 |
| 8 | Sitka city and | $101,207 | $442,100 | 8,393 |
| 9 | Juneau city and | $100,513 | $432,500 | 31,969 |
| 10 | Anchorage | $98,152 | $375,900 | 289,069 |
Cost of Living FAQ — Alaska
What is the average cost of living in Alaska?
The average median home value across Alaska cities is $150,018, with average rent of $550/month. The average median household income is $53,841.
What are the cheapest cities in Alaska?
The most affordable cities in Alaska by home value include Kenai ($249,400), Fairbanks ($255,700), Palmer ($275,900).
What is the most expensive city in Alaska?
The most expensive city in Alaska is Sitka city and with a median home value of $442,100.
How does Alaska compare to the national average?
Alaska's average home value of $150,018 is below the national median of $244,900. Median rent of $550/month is below the US average of $1,163.