Cost of Living in Aleutians East Borough, Alaska

$1,040/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$144,300

Median Home Value

15% below state averageUnaffordableACS 2019-2023 · Updated Dec 2024 Compare this county Explore on Map

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,040/mo

15% below state average

Median Home Value

$144,300

49% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

21.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Aleutians East Borough Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Aleutians East Borough$1,040/mo

Alaska Average$1,221/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,040/mo

Median Gross Rent

$144,300

Median Home Value

$745/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

21.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

National Ranking

Affordability Rank

Aleutians East Borough ranks #516 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 16%)

Most AffordableLeast Affordable

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Aleutians East Borough, Alaska

Aleutians East: Below National Strain

Renters here spend just 17.2% of income on housing, well below the national affordability threshold of 30% and slightly better than Alaska's 18.6% state average. Median household income of $72,692 sits just below the national median of $74,755, yet housing costs remain comparatively manageable.

Affordable Among Alaska's Boroughs

Aleutians East ranks among Alaska's most affordable areas for renters, with a 17.2% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average. The median rent of $1,040 per month is $181 cheaper than Alaska's typical rent, making it one of the few Alaskan communities where housing isn't straining household budgets.

Small Borough, Smart Housing Costs

Compared to nearby Aleutians West (rent-to-income of 21.1%), Aleutians East offers substantially cheaper rent at $1,040 versus $1,886 monthly. Home values here average $144,300, the lowest among major Alaskan boroughs, reflecting this region's relatively modest housing market.

Rent Under Control, Ownership Affordable

Renters spend $1,040 monthly on a $72,692 annual income, consuming just 17.2% of earnings for housing. Homeowners face monthly costs of $745, and median home values of $144,300 make purchase prices among Alaska's most accessible for first-time buyers.

Consider Aleutians East for Stability

If housing affordability matters in your relocation calculus, Aleutians East delivers: rents below state average, homeownership within reach, and income-to-housing ratios that don't consume your paycheck. This remote borough rewards those seeking financial breathing room over urban amenities.

Cost of Living Advisory: Aleutians East Borough

Affordability Verdict

Housing in Aleutians East Borough is affordable. The median rent is $1,040/month against a median household income of $72,692, putting rent at 17.2% of income.

Rent vs. Own

At $1,040/month rent versus $745/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $295/month cheaper — a 28% difference.

Income Needed

To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $41,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,929/year. With a median household income of $72,692, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Aleutians East Borough are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.

Regional Context

Compared to Hoonah-Angoon Census Area where rent averages $986/month, Aleutians East Borough is approximately 5% more expensive.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Aleutians East Borough

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

17.2%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,696

per month

Owner Cost Burden

12.3%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Aleutians East Borough

Median home value is $144,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,152 vs. your max of $1,696.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio17.2%

Recommended max30.0%

Income Needed Calculator

See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Affordability

$0/yr

Needed to stay within recommended threshold

Median income:$0/yr

Can you afford it? Yes

Your income: $72,692Needed: $41,600

Owner Cost Affordability

$0/yr

Needed to stay within recommended threshold

Median income:$0/yr

Can you afford it? Yes

Your income: $72,692Needed: $31,929

Mortgage Affordability

$0/yr

Needed to stay within recommended threshold

Median income:$0/yr

Can you afford it? Yes

Your income: $72,692Needed: $33,583

Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Aleutians East Borough, Alaska?

Aleutians East Borough, Alaska has a median monthly rent of $1,040/mo and a median home value of $144,300. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 21.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Aleutians East Borough?

The median gross rent in Aleutians East Borough is $1,040/mo. This is 15% below state average for Alaska.

Is Aleutians East Borough affordable?

Aleutians East Borough is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 21.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Aleutians East Borough's rent compare to the state average?

Aleutians East Borough's median rent of $1,040/mo is 15% below state average of $1,221/mo for Alaska.

What is the median home value in Aleutians East Borough?

The median home value in Aleutians East Borough, Alaska is $144,300. This is 49% below the national median home value of $281,900.