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Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in Alaska: Rent, Housing & Income

  • Official data · Census ACS 2024 · BEA 2024 · EIA July–September 2026
Updated  7 sources

Cost of living vs. U.S. average (2024)

2.4% above

Cost of living in Alaska is 2.4% above the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for Alaska (index 102.4; U.S. = 100). Median rent in Alaska is $1,444 a month.

Cost of living in Alaska by category

Overall prices

102.4U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

+2.4% vs. U.S.

Goods
106.3 +6.3%
Housing (rents)
93.8 −6.2%
Utilities
119.0 +19.0%
Other services
102.2 +2.2%

BEA 2024 · Alaska Details: Overall prices

Housing

$1,444/mo

Median gross rent

About the same as U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$1,048 −19% vs. U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$1,453 About the same as U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$1,860 +11% vs. U.S.
Median home value
$376,500 +4% vs. U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$2,253 +11% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 Details: Housing

Utilities

$158/mo

Average electric bill

About the same as U.S.

Electricity price
28.8¢/kWh +57% vs. U.S.
Natural gas, 12-mo avg.
$14.56/Mcf −25% vs. U.S.
Utilities price index
119.0

EIA July 2026 · Alaska Details: Utilities

Transportation

19.8min

Mean travel time to work

−27% vs. U.S.

Commute mode: drove alone
66.8%
Work from home
8.4%
Gasoline (PADD 5 avg.)
$5.07/gal +16% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 · EIA September 2026 Details: Transportation

Food at home

$1,295/mo

Alaska Thrifty plan, family of 4

+26% vs. U.S.

U.S. thrifty plan, family of 4
$1,024/mo
U.S. moderate plan, family of 4
$1,388/mo

USDA August 2026 · Alaska (Anchorage prices) and U.S. average Details: Food at home

Child care

$296/wk

Center care, infant

+71% vs. U.S.

Center care, toddler
$255/wk +66% vs. U.S.
Center care, preschool
$250/wk +73% vs. U.S.
Home-based care, infant
$251/wk +76% vs. U.S.

DOL NDCP 2022 prices · Alaska county median (8 counties) Details: Child care

Income

$95,665/yr

Median household income

+17% vs. U.S.

Median rent as share of income
18%
Home value to income
3.9×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in Alaska

Median gross rent in Alaska is $1,444 a month, about the same as the U.S. median of $1,487. The median falls in the $1,250–$1,499 range, which holds 16.4% of renter households paying cash rent. Another 46.3% pay $1,500 or more.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $376,500, and 2.8% of homes are valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Housing costs: Alaska vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent Alaska: $1,444; U.S.: $1,487 Alaska $1,444 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs Alaska: $2,253; U.S.: $2,035 Alaska $2,253 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value Alaska: $376,500; U.S.: $360,600 Alaska $376,500 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasureAlaskaU.S.
Median monthly rent$1,444$1,487
Monthly owner costs$2,253$2,035
Median home value$376,500$360,600

Rent is median gross rent; owner costs are for homes with a mortgage. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

What renters pay in Alaska

What renters pay in Alaska Share of renter households paying cash rent in Alaska by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $500, holds 5.7%; the top range, $3,500 or more, holds 0.9%. Median $1,444. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $500: 5.7% (U.S.: 6.1%) $500–$749: 5.4% (U.S.: 6.8%) $750–$999: 9.9% (U.S.: 11.5%) $1,000–$1,249: 16.3% (U.S.: 13.5%) $1,250–$1,499: 16.4% (U.S.: 12.9%) $1,500–$1,999: 24.5% (U.S.: 22.2%) $2,000–$2,499: 12.3% (U.S.: 13.2%) $2,500–$2,999: 6.7% (U.S.: 6.5%) $3,000–$3,499: 1.9% (U.S.: 3.2%) $3,500 or more: 0.9% (U.S.: 4.2%) $500–750 $1–1.25K $1.5–2K $2.5–3K $3.5K+ Median $1,444 (Alaska) 24.5%
Show the data table
RangeAlaskaU.S.
Less than $5005.7%6.1%
$500–$7495.4%6.8%
$750–$9999.9%11.5%
$1,000–$1,24916.3%13.5%
$1,250–$1,49916.4%12.9%
$1,500–$1,99924.5%22.2%
$2,000–$2,49912.3%13.2%
$2,500–$2,9996.7%6.5%
$3,000–$3,4991.9%3.2%
$3,500 or more0.9%4.2%

Share of renter households paying cash rent. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25063. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Home values in Alaska

Home values in Alaska Share of owner-occupied homes in Alaska by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $100,000, holds 9.3%; the top range, $1,500,000 or more, holds 0.9%. Median $376,500. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $100,000: 9.3% (U.S.: 10.2%) $100,000–$149,999: 3.4% (U.S.: 5.7%) $150,000–$199,999: 5.5% (U.S.: 7.5%) $200,000–$249,999: 6.9% (U.S.: 8.4%) $250,000–$299,999: 7.5% (U.S.: 8.5%) $300,000–$399,999: 22.8% (U.S.: 15.9%) $400,000–$499,999: 18.3% (U.S.: 12%) $500,000–$749,999: 18.4% (U.S.: 16.3%) $750,000–$999,999: 5.1% (U.S.: 7.5%) $1,000,000–$1,499,999: 1.9% (U.S.: 4.3%) $1,500,000 or more: 0.9% (U.S.: 3.7%) <$100K $100–150K $150–200K $250–300K $400–500K $500–750K $750K–1M $1.5M+ Median $376,500 (Alaska) 22.8%
Show the data table
RangeAlaskaU.S.
Less than $100,0009.3%10.2%
$100,000–$149,9993.4%5.7%
$150,000–$199,9995.5%7.5%
$200,000–$249,9996.9%8.4%
$250,000–$299,9997.5%8.5%
$300,000–$399,99922.8%15.9%
$400,000–$499,99918.3%12%
$500,000–$749,99918.4%16.3%
$750,000–$999,9995.1%7.5%
$1,000,000–$1,499,9991.9%4.3%
$1,500,000 or more0.9%3.7%

Share of owner-occupied homes. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25075. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Monthly housing costs in Alaska

Measure Alaska U.S.
Median rent (all units) $1,444$1,487
1-bedroom rent $1,048$1,301
2-bedroom rent $1,453$1,490
3-bedroom rent $1,860$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $2,253$2,035

Median gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Owner costs include the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

How affordable is Alaska?

At the median, rent takes about 18% of household income in Alaska. Housing experts treat 30% as the limit before a household is considered cost-burdened. To keep the median rent at 30% of income, a household would need to earn about $57,800 a year.

The median home is worth $376,500, or 3.9 times the median household income.

Household income in Alaska

The median household in Alaska earns $95,665 a year, 17% above the U.S. median of $81,604. About 14.6% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 10.9% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: Alaska vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) Alaska: $95,665; U.S.: $81,604 Alaska $95,665 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasureAlaskaU.S.
Median household income (yearly)$95,665$81,604

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Household income distribution in Alaska

Household income distribution in Alaska Share of households in Alaska by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 3.7%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 14.6%. Median $95,665. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% Less than $10,000: 3.7% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 2% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 2.3% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 2.9% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 2.3% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 2.7% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 2.8% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 2.8% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 3.2% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 6.1% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 8.6% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 12.8% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 12.6% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 8% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 12.7% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 14.6% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $95,665 (Alaska) 14.6%
Show the data table
RangeAlaskaU.S.
Less than $10,0003.7%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9992%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9992.3%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9992.9%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9992.3%3%
$30,000–$34,9992.7%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9992.8%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9992.8%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9993.2%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9996.1%6.4%
$60,000–$74,9998.6%9.2%
$75,000–$99,99912.8%12.6%
$100,000–$124,99912.6%10.4%
$125,000–$149,9998%7.4%
$150,000–$199,99912.7%9.7%
$200,000 or more14.6%13.7%

Share of households. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B19001. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Income and home values

Measure Alaska U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $95,665$81,604
Median home value $376,500$360,600

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Price levels compared with the U.S.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes Regional Price Parities: price levels for the same basket of goods and services, with the U.S. average set to 100. In 2024, Alaska scored 102.4 for all items. The highest category is utilities at 119.0; the lowest is housing rents at 93.8.

Regional price parities by category (U.S. = 100)

All items

All items Alaska: 102.4; U.S.: 100.0 Alaska 102.4 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods Alaska: 106.3; U.S.: 99.6 Alaska 106.3 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) Alaska: 93.8; U.S.: 100.6 Alaska 93.8 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities Alaska: 119.0; U.S.: 98.4 Alaska 119.0 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services Alaska: 102.2; U.S.: 100.1 Alaska 102.2 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasureAlaskaU.S.
All items102.4100.0
Goods106.399.6
Housing (rents)93.8100.6
Utilities119.098.4
Other services102.2100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities

Utilities and energy costs

Households in Alaska paid an average of 28.8¢ per kWh for electricity in July 2026, compared with 18.3¢ nationally. Over the past 12 months the average residential bill was $158 a month (U.S.: $157). Residential natural gas averaged $14.56 per thousand cubic feet over the 12 months to July 2026 (U.S.: $19.40).

Energy prices: Alaska vs. U.S.

Electricity price (¢/kWh)

Electricity price (¢/kWh) Alaska: 28.8¢; U.S.: 18.3¢ Alaska 28.8¢ U.S. 18.3¢

Average electric bill (monthly)

Average electric bill (monthly) Alaska: $158; U.S.: $157 Alaska $158 U.S. $157

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf) Alaska: $14.56; U.S.: $19.40 Alaska $14.56 U.S. $19.40
Show the data table
MeasureAlaskaU.S.
Electricity price (¢/kWh)28.8¢18.3¢
Average electric bill (monthly)$158$157
Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)$14.56$19.40

Residential customers. Electricity price for July 2026; electric bill and natural gas are 12-month averages. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly: residential retail sales; EIA Natural Gas Monthly: price delivered to residential consumers

Transportation and commuting

Workers in Alaska who commute spend an average of 19.8 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). The most common way to get to work is to drive alone (66.8% of workers); 8.4% work from home. Gasoline in the West Coast region (PADD 5, excluding California), which includes Alaska, averaged $5.07 a gallon for regular in September 2026, compared with $4.36 nationally. EIA publishes no separate Alaska price.

How workers get to work

How workers get to work Alaska: Drove alone 66.8%, Carpooled 12.4%, Public transit 0.7%, Walked 6.5%, Bicycle 0.9%, Worked from home 8.4%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 4.2%. U.S.: Drove alone 69.2%, Carpooled 9.2%, Public transit 3.7%, Walked 2.4%, Bicycle 0.5%, Worked from home 13.3%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. Most common in Alaska: Drove alone. Alaska Alaska · Drove alone: 66.8% 66.8% Alaska · Carpooled: 12.4% 12.4% Alaska · Public transit: 0.7% Alaska · Walked: 6.5% Alaska · Bicycle: 0.9% Alaska · Worked from home: 8.4% Alaska · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 4.2% U.S. U.S. · Drove alone: 69.2% 69.2% U.S. · Carpooled: 9.2% U.S. · Public transit: 3.7% U.S. · Walked: 2.4% U.S. · Bicycle: 0.5% U.S. · Worked from home: 13.3% 13.3% U.S. · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7%
Show the data table
Means of transportationAlaskaU.S.
Drove alone66.8%69.2%
Carpooled12.4%9.2%
Public transit0.7%3.7%
Walked6.5%2.4%
Bicycle0.9%0.5%
Worked from home8.4%13.3%
Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.)4.2%1.7%

Share of workers 16 and over. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08301. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Travel time to work in Alaska

Travel time to work in Alaska Share of workers who do not work from home in Alaska by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 8.8%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 2.3%. Mean 19.8 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than 5 min: 8.8% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 16.6% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 19.7% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 18.3% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 13.5% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 4.3% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 8.3% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 1.2% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 0.9% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 3.3% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 2.9% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 2.3% (U.S.: 3%) <5 5–9 10–14 15–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–59 60–89 90+ Mean 19.8 min (Alaska) 19.7%
Show the data table
RangeAlaskaU.S.
Less than 5 min8.8%2.8%
5–9 min16.6%9.4%
10–14 min19.7%13.1%
15–19 min18.3%15%
20–24 min13.5%14.1%
25–29 min4.3%7%
30–34 min8.3%13.7%
35–39 min1.2%3.4%
40–44 min0.9%4.1%
45–59 min3.3%8.3%
60–89 min2.9%6.3%
90 min or more2.3%3%

Share of workers who do not work from home. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08303. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Child care costs in Alaska

In 2022, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $296 a week in the median Alaska county (8 counties), or $15,414 over 52 weeks. That is 71% above the U.S. county median of $174. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation.

Weekly child care prices (2022)

Type of care Alaska (median of 8 counties) U.S. (county median)
Center-based care, infant $296$174
Center-based care, toddler $255$153
Center-based care, preschool $250$144
Center-based care, school-age $162$120
Home-based family care, infant $251$143
Home-based family care, toddler $235$132
Home-based family care, preschool $225$131
Home-based family care, school-age $181$118

Median weekly price for full-time care. State and U.S. figures are medians of county medians. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation. U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Source: National Database of Childcare Prices (U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau)

Food costs

USDA's moderate-cost food plan puts groceries for a family of four at $1,388 a month in August 2026; the thrifty plan comes to $1,024. USDA also publishes a separate Alaska thrifty plan based on Anchorage food prices: $1,295 a month for a family of four, 26% above the national thrifty plan. The other plans are national averages only.

Monthly cost of food at home (August 2026)

USDA food plan U.S. family of 4 U.S. couple U.S. single man U.S. single woman Alaska, family of 4
Thrifty $1,024$630$383$304$1,295
Low-cost $1,126$652$381$331—
Moderate-cost $1,388$808$478$403—
Liberal $1,679$1,007$583$515—

Family of 4: two adults and two children aged 6–8 and 9–11. USDA publishes only the Thrifty plan for Alaska, priced in Anchorage; the other Alaska rows show a dash. For a single man, the Thrifty plan costs more than the Low-cost plan: USDA re-evaluated the Thrifty plan in 2021, while the other plans still use older market baskets. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Official Food Plans, August 2026. Source: USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home (monthly reports)

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in Alaska?

Median rent is $1,048 for a one-bedroom and $1,453 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do most renters pay in Alaska?

Among renter households paying cash rent, 21% pay less than $1,000 a month, 57.2% pay $1,000 to $1,999, and 21.8% pay $2,000 or more (Census ACS 2024).

How much do you need to make to live in Alaska?

To keep the median rent of $1,444 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $57,800 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

Is Alaska more expensive than the U.S. average?

Yes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in Alaska at 102.4 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 2.4% above average. Housing rents score 93.8.

How long is the average commute in Alaska?

19.8 minutes one way for workers who commute, compared with 27.2 minutes nationally (Census ACS 2024).

How much does infant day care cost in Alaska?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $296 a week in the median Alaska county (8 counties) in 2022, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.