Alaska Cost of Living
Housing costs and affordability data for 30 counties.
Average Monthly Rent
$1,221/mo
Average Home Value
$268,870
Average Owner Cost
$980/mo
At a Glance
Housing Costs in Alaska: An Overview
The median rent in Alaska is $1,221 per month, which is 5% above the national median of $1,163. This places the state among the more expensive places to lease a home in the country.
Within Alaska, housing costs vary significantly by county. Aleutians West Census Area is the most expensive county with a median rent of $1,886 per month and a median home value of $419,100. At the other end of the spectrum, Kusilvak Census Area offers the most affordable housing, with a median rent of $832 per month and homes valued at a median of $72,700.
The average home value across Alaska counties is $268,870, 5% lower than the national median of $281,900. With a median household income of roughly $79,407, homeownership remains within reach for many households.
Before moving to Alaska, it is worth understanding the local housing landscape. Costs can swing dramatically between rural and urban counties, so researching the specific county you plan to live in is essential. Use the county-level data below to compare rent, home values, and affordability ratings so you can budget accurately for your relocation.
Distribution
Rent Distribution in Alaska
How median rents are spread across 30 counties
Top 5 Most Expensive Counties
Top 5 Most Affordable Counties
All Alaska Counties
| County | Median Rent | Home Value | Owner Cost | Rent/Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aleutians West Census Area | Expensive$1,886/mo | $419,100 | $2,138/mo | 21.0% |
| Kodiak Island Borough | Expensive$1,669/mo | $382,700 | $1,459/mo | 25.0% |
| Juneau City and Borough | Moderate$1,462/mo | $432,500 | $1,722/mo | 24.0% |
| Bethel Census Area | Moderate$1,454/mo | $120,600 | $546/mo | 19.0% |
| Anchorage Municipality | Moderate$1,453/mo | $375,900 | $1,933/mo | 29.0% |
| Fairbanks North Star Borough | Moderate$1,424/mo | $282,500 | $1,530/mo | 29.0% |
| Chugach Census Area | Moderate$1,397/mo | $330,900 | $1,086/mo | 27.0% |
| Ketchikan Gateway Borough | Moderate$1,388/mo | $379,000 | $1,501/mo | 29.0% |
| Sitka City and Borough | Moderate$1,350/mo | $442,100 | $1,587/mo | 29.0% |
| Northwest Arctic Borough | Moderate$1,336/mo | $162,500 | $728/mo | 19.0% |
| Nome Census Area | Moderate$1,328/mo | $201,000 | $748/mo | 19.0% |
| Bristol Bay Borough | Moderate$1,318/mo | $269,800 | $795/mo | 12.0% |
| Southeast Fairbanks Census Area | Moderate$1,304/mo | $262,800 | $684/mo | 22.0% |
| Yakutat City and Borough | Moderate$1,276/mo | $185,000 | $633/mo | 14.0% |
| Matanuska-Susitna Borough | Moderate$1,258/mo | $319,200 | $1,643/mo | 31.0% |
| Skagway Municipality | Moderate$1,228/mo | $430,000 | $981/mo | 19.0% |
| Petersburg Borough | Moderate$1,208/mo | $301,300 | $1,108/mo | 29.0% |
| North Slope Borough | Moderate$1,167/mo | $219,600 | $617/mo | 18.0% |
| Kenai Peninsula Borough | Moderate$1,163/mo | $297,500 | $1,011/mo | 29.0% |
| Dillingham Census Area | Moderate$1,085/mo | $163,800 | $666/mo | 22.0% |
| Wrangell City and Borough | Moderate$1,047/mo | $289,700 | $819/mo | 24.0% |
| Aleutians East Borough | Moderate$1,040/mo | $144,300 | $745/mo | 21.0% |
| Hoonah-Angoon Census Area | Affordable$986/mo | $278,300 | $458/mo | 23.0% |
| Copper River Census Area | Affordable$973/mo | $246,700 | $671/mo | 17.0% |
| Denali Borough | Affordable$938/mo | $262,000 | $749/mo | 26.0% |
| Lake and Peninsula Borough | Affordable$933/mo | $166,100 | $533/mo | 18.0% |
| Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area | Affordable$915/mo | $221,800 | $545/mo | 23.0% |
| Haines Borough | Affordable$914/mo | $318,900 | $906/mo | 27.0% |
| Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area | Affordable$893/mo | $87,800 | $453/mo | 17.0% |
| Kusilvak Census Area | Affordable$832/mo | $72,700 | $409/mo | 17.0% |
Compare Alaska to Other States
See how Alaska counties stack up against counties in other states. Compare rent, home values, and affordability side by side.
Start a ComparisonFrequently Asked Questions About Alaska Housing Costs
What is the most affordable county in Alaska?
What is the most expensive county to live in Alaska?
How does Alaska's cost of living compare to the national average?
What is the average home value in Alaska?
Planning a Move?
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Compare Moving QuotesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.