Cost of Living in Bristol Bay Borough, Alaska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bristol Bay Borough Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bristol Bay Borough ranks #2,002 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 36%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bristol Bay Borough, Alaska
Bristol Bay: Alaska's Most Affordable
Renters spend just 15.7% of income on housing, well below Alaska's 18.6% state average and comfortably under the national affordability threshold of 30%. With a median household income of $100,625, Bristol Bay offers among Alaska's strongest income-to-housing ratios.
Best Affordability in Alaska
Bristol Bay's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks as Alaska's most affordable rental market, beating the state average by nearly 3 percentage points. This remote borough proves that geographic isolation doesn't automatically mean unaffordable housing.
Outpacing Remote Alternatives
Bristol Bay's median rent of $1,318 undercuts Bethel ($1,454) and Aleutians West ($1,886) while serving a comparable or higher median income. Home values of $269,800 position Bristol Bay as the most economically balanced remote area in Alaska.
Income-Friendly Housing Market
Renters dedicate just $1,318 monthly to a $100,625 annual income—only 15.7% of earnings—while homeowners spend $795 monthly on properties averaging $269,800. Bristol Bay delivers what's rare in Alaska: strong income alongside reasonable housing costs.
Bristol Bay: Consider for Relocation
If moving to remote Alaska appeals, Bristol Bay balances affordability with solid incomes better than nearly any competitor. Its 15.7% rent-to-income ratio and $1,318 median rent make it worth serious consideration against Anchorage and other urban alternatives.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bristol Bay Borough
Affordability Verdict
Bristol Bay Borough offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,318/month — about 15.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Bristol Bay Borough pay $1,318/month on average, compared to $795/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 40%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $52,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,071/year. With a median household income of $100,625, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 12.0% of renter households in Bristol Bay Borough are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Bristol Bay Borough sits 5% more expensive than Matanuska-Susitna Borough ($1,258/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bristol Bay Borough
Rent Burden
15.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,348
per month
Owner Cost Burden
9.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Bristol Bay Borough
Median home value is $269,800. Estimated monthly cost: $2,154 vs. your max of $2,348.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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 Bristol Bay Borough, Alaska?
What is the median rent in Bristol Bay Borough?
Is Bristol Bay Borough affordable?
How does Bristol Bay Borough's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Bristol Bay Borough?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Bristol Bay Borough, Alaska? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Bristol Bay Borough
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.