Cost of Living in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska

$1,258/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$319,200

Median Home Value

3% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,258/mo

3% above state average

Median Home Value

$319,200

13% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

31.0%

% 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 Matanuska-Susitna Borough Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Matanuska-Susitna Borough$1,258/mo

Alaska Average$1,221/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,258/mo

Median Gross Rent

$319,200

Median Home Value

$1,643/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

31.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska

Mat-Su outearns and outafford most

Matanuska-Susitna's median household income of $90,625 exceeds the national average of $74,755 by 21%, while its rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% ranks among Alaska's best. High local wages offset moderately higher rents, making this Alaska's most financially robust region for residents.

Alaska's best affordability rank

Mat-Su's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio beats Alaska's state average of 18.6%, earning it a top-tier affordability ranking statewide. The borough's robust economy—anchored by Anchorage's suburbs and regional employment—translates into higher incomes and better housing affordability overall.

Premium homes, premium incomes

Mat-Su's median home value of $319,200 is Alaska's highest among these eight counties, yet its 16.7% rent-to-income ratio remains superior because local incomes keep pace. This reflects a thriving regional economy where rising housing costs track with wage growth rather than outpacing it.

High income sustains higher housing costs

Renters allocate $1,258/month against a robust $90,625 annual income ($7,552/month), consuming just 16.7%—one of Alaska's healthiest ratios. Homeowners face steeper monthly obligations of $1,643 on $319,200 median home values, but high local incomes make mortgage financing manageable compared to other boroughs.

Mat-Su for ambitious Alaska relocations

If you're moving to Alaska with income expectations above $90,000, Mat-Su offers the strongest economic fundamentals and best housing affordability relative to earnings. The borough's proximity to Anchorage's job market makes it ideal for professionals seeking remote living with urban-adjacent opportunity.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

16.7%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$2,115

per month

Owner Cost Burden

21.8%

of gross income

The median home in Matanuska-Susitna Borough may be a stretch

Median home value is $319,200. Estimated monthly cost: $2,548 vs. your max of $2,115.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio16.7%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska?

Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska has a median monthly rent of $1,258/mo and a median home value of $319,200. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 31.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Matanuska-Susitna Borough?

The median gross rent in Matanuska-Susitna Borough is $1,258/mo. This is 3% above state average for Alaska.

Is Matanuska-Susitna Borough affordable?

Matanuska-Susitna Borough is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 31.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Matanuska-Susitna Borough's rent compare to the state average?

Matanuska-Susitna Borough's median rent of $1,258/mo is 3% above state average of $1,221/mo for Alaska.

What is the median home value in Matanuska-Susitna Borough?

The median home value in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska is $319,200. This is 13% above the national median home value of $281,900.