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Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in Anchorage 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)

5.4% above

Cost of living in Anchorage is 5.4% above the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for the Anchorage, AK metro area (index 105.4; U.S. = 100). Median rent in Anchorage is $1,536 a month.

Cost of living in Anchorage by category

Overall prices

105.4U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

+5.4% vs. U.S.

Goods
107.3 +7.3%
Housing (rents)
109.9 +9.9%
Utilities
111.8 +11.8%
Other services
103.3 +3.3%

BEA 2024 · Anchorage metro area Details: Overall prices

Housing

$1,536/mo

Median gross rent

+3% vs. U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$1,060 −19% vs. U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$1,522 About the same as U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$1,902 +13% vs. U.S.
Median home value
$429,600 +19% vs. U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$2,440 +20% 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
111.8

EIA July 2026 · Alaska statewide Details: Utilities

Transportation

18.1min

Mean travel time to work

−33% vs. U.S.

Commute mode: drove alone
71.9%
Work from home
9%
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

$362/wk

Center care, infant

+109% vs. U.S.

Center care, toddler
$337/wk +120% vs. U.S.
Center care, preschool
$290/wk +101% vs. U.S.
Home-based care, infant
$260/wk +81% vs. U.S.

DOL NDCP 2022 prices · Anchorage Municipality Details: Child care

Income

$105,356/yr

Median household income

+29% vs. U.S.

Median rent as share of income
17%
Home value to income
4.1×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in Anchorage

Median gross rent in Anchorage is $1,536 a month, 3% above the U.S. median of $1,487. The median falls in the $1,500–$1,999 range, which holds 28.3% of renter households paying cash rent. Another 23.9% pay $2,000 or more.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $429,600, and 4.5% of homes are valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Housing costs: Anchorage vs. Alaska vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent Anchorage: $1,536; Alaska: $1,444; U.S.: $1,487 Anchorage $1,536 Alaska $1,444 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs Anchorage: $2,440; Alaska: $2,253; U.S.: $2,035 Anchorage $2,440 Alaska $2,253 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value Anchorage: $429,600; Alaska: $376,500; U.S.: $360,600 Anchorage $429,600 Alaska $376,500 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasureAnchorageAlaskaU.S.
Median monthly rent$1,536$1,444$1,487
Monthly owner costs$2,440$2,253$2,035
Median home value$429,600$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 Anchorage

What renters pay in Anchorage Share of renter households paying cash rent in Anchorage by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $500, holds 4.5%; the top range, $3,500 or more, holds 1.1%. Median $1,536. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $500: 4.5% (U.S.: 6.1%) $500–$749: 2.6% (U.S.: 6.8%) $750–$999: 6.6% (U.S.: 11.5%) $1,000–$1,249: 19% (U.S.: 13.5%) $1,250–$1,499: 15.2% (U.S.: 12.9%) $1,500–$1,999: 28.3% (U.S.: 22.2%) $2,000–$2,499: 12.5% (U.S.: 13.2%) $2,500–$2,999: 7.6% (U.S.: 6.5%) $3,000–$3,499: 2.7% (U.S.: 3.2%) $3,500 or more: 1.1% (U.S.: 4.2%) $500–750 $1–1.25K $1.5–2K $2.5–3K $3.5K+ Median $1,536 (Anchorage) 28.3%
Show the data table
RangeAnchorageU.S.
Less than $5004.5%6.1%
$500–$7492.6%6.8%
$750–$9996.6%11.5%
$1,000–$1,24919%13.5%
$1,250–$1,49915.2%12.9%
$1,500–$1,99928.3%22.2%
$2,000–$2,49912.5%13.2%
$2,500–$2,9997.6%6.5%
$3,000–$3,4992.7%3.2%
$3,500 or more1.1%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 Anchorage

Home values in Anchorage Share of owner-occupied homes in Anchorage by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $100,000, holds 6.3%; the top range, $1,500,000 or more, holds 1.3%. Median $429,600. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $100,000: 6.3% (U.S.: 10.2%) $100,000–$149,999: 2.1% (U.S.: 5.7%) $150,000–$199,999: 4.6% (U.S.: 7.5%) $200,000–$249,999: 4% (U.S.: 8.4%) $250,000–$299,999: 6.3% (U.S.: 8.5%) $300,000–$399,999: 21% (U.S.: 15.9%) $400,000–$499,999: 19.5% (U.S.: 12%) $500,000–$749,999: 25.4% (U.S.: 16.3%) $750,000–$999,999: 6.3% (U.S.: 7.5%) $1,000,000–$1,499,999: 3.2% (U.S.: 4.3%) $1,500,000 or more: 1.3% (U.S.: 3.7%) <$100K $100–150K $150–200K $250–300K $400–500K $500–750K $750K–1M $1.5M+ Median $429,600 (Anchorage) 25.4%
Show the data table
RangeAnchorageU.S.
Less than $100,0006.3%10.2%
$100,000–$149,9992.1%5.7%
$150,000–$199,9994.6%7.5%
$200,000–$249,9994%8.4%
$250,000–$299,9996.3%8.5%
$300,000–$399,99921%15.9%
$400,000–$499,99919.5%12%
$500,000–$749,99925.4%16.3%
$750,000–$999,9996.3%7.5%
$1,000,000–$1,499,9993.2%4.3%
$1,500,000 or more1.3%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 Anchorage

Measure Anchorage Alaska U.S.
Median rent (all units) $1,536$1,444$1,487
1-bedroom rent $1,060$1,048$1,301
2-bedroom rent $1,522$1,453$1,490
3-bedroom rent $1,902$1,860$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $2,440$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 Anchorage?

At the median, rent takes about 17% of household income in Anchorage. 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 $61,400 a year.

The median home is worth $429,600, or 4.1 times the median household income.

Household income in Anchorage

The median household in Anchorage earns $105,356 a year, 29% above the U.S. median of $81,604. About 19.4% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 10% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: Anchorage vs. Alaska vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) Anchorage: $105,356; Alaska: $95,665; U.S.: $81,604 Anchorage $105,356 Alaska $95,665 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasureAnchorageAlaskaU.S.
Median household income (yearly)$105,356$95,665$81,604

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

Household income distribution in Anchorage

Household income distribution in Anchorage Share of households in Anchorage by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 3.2%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 19.4%. Median $105,356. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than $10,000: 3.2% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 1.3% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 2.6% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 2.9% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 2.4% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 2.1% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 2.4% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 3% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 2.4% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 4.1% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 7.8% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 12.1% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 12.5% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 9% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 13% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 19.4% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $105,356 (Anchorage) 19.4%
Show the data table
RangeAnchorageU.S.
Less than $10,0003.2%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9991.3%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9992.6%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9992.9%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9992.4%3%
$30,000–$34,9992.1%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9992.4%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9993%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9992.4%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9994.1%6.4%
$60,000–$74,9997.8%9.2%
$75,000–$99,99912.1%12.6%
$100,000–$124,99912.5%10.4%
$125,000–$149,9999%7.4%
$150,000–$199,99913%9.7%
$200,000 or more19.4%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 Anchorage Alaska U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $105,356$95,665$81,604
Median home value $429,600$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, the Anchorage, AK metro area scored 105.4 for all items. The highest category is utilities at 111.8; the lowest is other services at 103.3.

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

All items

All items Anchorage metro area: 105.4; Alaska: 102.4; U.S.: 100.0 Anchorage metro area 105.4 Alaska 102.4 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods Anchorage metro area: 107.3; Alaska: 106.3; U.S.: 99.6 Anchorage metro area 107.3 Alaska 106.3 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) Anchorage metro area: 109.9; Alaska: 93.8; U.S.: 100.6 Anchorage metro area 109.9 Alaska 93.8 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities Anchorage metro area: 111.8; Alaska: 119.0; U.S.: 98.4 Anchorage metro area 111.8 Alaska 119.0 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services Anchorage metro area: 103.3; Alaska: 102.2; U.S.: 100.1 Anchorage metro area 103.3 Alaska 102.2 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasureAnchorage metro areaAlaskaU.S.
All items105.4102.4100.0
Goods107.3106.399.6
Housing (rents)109.993.8100.6
Utilities111.8119.098.4
Other services103.3102.2100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Metro area: Anchorage, AK. 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 are reported statewide, so these are Alaska averages rather than figures for Anchorage alone.

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 Anchorage who commute spend an average of 18.1 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). The most common way to get to work is to drive alone (71.9% of workers); 9% 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 Anchorage: Drove alone 71.9%, Carpooled 12.4%, Public transit 0.9%, Walked 2.5%, Bicycle 1%, Worked from home 9%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 2.3%. 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 Anchorage: Drove alone. Anchorage Anchorage · Drove alone: 71.9% 71.9% Anchorage · Carpooled: 12.4% 12.4% Anchorage · Public transit: 0.9% Anchorage · Walked: 2.5% Anchorage · Bicycle: 1% Anchorage · Worked from home: 9% Anchorage · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 2.3% 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 transportationAnchorageAlaskaU.S.
Drove alone71.9%66.8%69.2%
Carpooled12.4%12.4%9.2%
Public transit0.9%0.7%3.7%
Walked2.5%6.5%2.4%
Bicycle1%0.9%0.5%
Worked from home9%8.4%13.3%
Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.)2.3%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 Anchorage

Travel time to work in Anchorage Share of workers who do not work from home in Anchorage by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 2.2%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 1.2%. Mean 18.1 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than 5 min: 2.2% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 13.6% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 24.1% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 22.7% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 18.1% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 4.5% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 8.9% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 0.7% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 0.2% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 2.7% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 1% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 1.2% (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 18.1 min (Anchorage) 24.1%
Show the data table
RangeAnchorageU.S.
Less than 5 min2.2%2.8%
5–9 min13.6%9.4%
10–14 min24.1%13.1%
15–19 min22.7%15%
20–24 min18.1%14.1%
25–29 min4.5%7%
30–34 min8.9%13.7%
35–39 min0.7%3.4%
40–44 min0.2%4.1%
45–59 min2.7%8.3%
60–89 min1%6.3%
90 min or more1.2%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 Anchorage

In 2022, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $362 a week in Anchorage Municipality, or $18,819 over 52 weeks. That is 109% 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 Anchorage Municipality Alaska (median of 8 counties) U.S. (county median)
Center-based care, infant $362$296$174
Center-based care, toddler $337$255$153
Center-based care, preschool $290$250$144
Center-based care, school-age $122$162$120
Home-based family care, infant $260$251$143
Home-based family care, toddler $234$235$132
Home-based family care, preschool $229$225$131
Home-based family care, school-age $129$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 Anchorage?

Median rent is $1,060 for a one-bedroom and $1,522 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do most renters pay in Anchorage?

Among renter households paying cash rent, 13.7% pay less than $1,000 a month, 62.5% pay $1,000 to $1,999, and 23.9% pay $2,000 or more (Census ACS 2024).

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

To keep the median rent of $1,536 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $61,400 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

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

Yes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in the Anchorage, AK metro area at 105.4 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 5.4% above average. Housing rents score 109.9.

How long is the average commute in Anchorage?

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

How much does infant day care cost in Anchorage?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $362 a week in Anchorage Municipality in 2022, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.