Cost of Living in Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska

$1,336/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$162,500

Median Home Value

9% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,336/mo

9% above state average

Median Home Value

$162,500

42% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

19.0%

% 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 Northwest Arctic Borough Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Northwest Arctic Borough$1,336/mo

Alaska Average$1,221/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,336/mo

Median Gross Rent

$162,500

Median Home Value

$728/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

19.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska

Northwest Arctic balances income and rents

Northwest Arctic's median household income of $81,298 exceeds the U.S. average of $74,755 by 9%, while its 19.7% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above the national affordability comfort zone. High local wages from mining and subsistence sectors help offset Alaska's most expensive rents.

Above-average affordability challenge

At 19.7%, Northwest Arctic's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Alaska's state average of 18.6%, placing it among the state's less affordable regions despite strong incomes. The $1,336/month median rent is among Alaska's highest, driven by remoteness and limited housing construction.

Remote extremes shape housing markets

Northwest Arctic's $1,336/month rent ties with Nome for Alaska's priciest among these counties, yet its higher median income of $81,298 (vs. Nome's $76,643) creates fractionally better affordability. Both regions suffer from Arctic isolation that constrains housing supply and drives rents upward.

Mining income cushions rental burden

Renters dedicate $1,336/month to housing against an $81,298 annual income ($6,775/month), consuming 19.7% and leaving moderate discretionary funds. Homeowners face monthly costs of $728 on properties valued at $162,500, offering accessible ownership paths despite high rents in the rental market.

Northwest Arctic for remote workers

Northwest Arctic suits remote workers or mining-sector employees earning $81,000+ annually who prioritize Arctic wilderness access. Budget for Alaska's priciest rents outside Anchorage, but strong local wages help offset the premium.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Northwest Arctic Borough

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

19.7%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,897

per month

Owner Cost Burden

10.7%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Northwest Arctic Borough

Median home value is $162,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,297 vs. your max of $1,897.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio19.7%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska?

Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska has a median monthly rent of $1,336/mo and a median home value of $162,500. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 19.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Northwest Arctic Borough?

The median gross rent in Northwest Arctic Borough is $1,336/mo. This is 9% above state average for Alaska.

Is Northwest Arctic Borough affordable?

Northwest Arctic Borough is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 19.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Northwest Arctic Borough's rent compare to the state average?

Northwest Arctic Borough's median rent of $1,336/mo is 9% above state average of $1,221/mo for Alaska.

What is the median home value in Northwest Arctic Borough?

The median home value in Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska is $162,500. This is 42% below the national median home value of $281,900.