Cost of Living in Denali Borough, Alaska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Denali Borough Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Denali Borough ranks #1,894 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 40%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Denali Borough, Alaska
Denali: Alaska's Most Affordable Rents
At just 12.7% of income, Denali renters enjoy the lowest housing burden in Alaska—far below the state average of 18.6% and substantially below the national affordability threshold of 30%. Median household income of $88,935 pairs with a bargain median rent of $938, creating exceptional affordability.
Unmatched Affordability in Alaska
Denali Borough's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio stands as Alaska's most affordable rental market by a significant margin. This remote borough outperforms even the state's typically affordable regions, delivering the lowest housing burden in the state.
Cheapest Rents in Remote Alaska
Denali's $938 median rent edges out Copper River's $973 and dramatically undercuts Chugach ($1,397) and Bethel ($1,454). Home values averaging $262,000 represent reasonable entry points for prospective homeowners seeking remote living.
Exceptional Value Across Tenures
Renters spend only $938 monthly on an $88,935 annual income, claiming just 12.7% of earnings for housing, while homeowners dedicate $749 monthly to properties averaging $262,000. Denali delivers the state's most generous housing-to-income economics.
Denali: Alaska's Affordability Champion
Relocating to remote Alaska? Denali's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio and $938 median rent are unmatched statewide. If proximity to Denali National Park and exceptional affordability appeal, this borough offers Alaska's best combination of location and housing value.
Cost of Living Advisory: Denali Borough
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Denali Borough is affordable. The median rent is $938/month against a median household income of $88,935, putting rent at 12.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Denali Borough pay $938/month on average, compared to $749/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 20%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,100/year. With a median household income of $88,935, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Denali Borough are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Alaska, Denali Borough is less affordable than Aleutians East Borough by roughly 10% ($938/mo vs $1,040/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Denali Borough
Rent Burden
12.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,075
per month
Owner Cost Burden
10.1%
of gross income
The median home in Denali Borough may be a stretch
Median home value is $262,000. Estimated monthly cost: $2,092 vs. your max of $2,075.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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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
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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