Cost of Living in Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska

$1,047/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$289,700
Median Home Value
14% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$1,047/mo
14% below state average
Median Home Value
$289,700
3% above national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
24.0%
% 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 Wrangell City and Borough Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Wrangell City and Borough$1,047/mo
Alaska Average$1,221/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,047/mo
Median Gross Rent
$289,700
Median Home Value
$819/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
24.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska

Wrangell: tight budgets in a small town

Wrangell renters dedicate 19.5% of income to housing, slightly above Alaska's state average of 18.6%, while earning just $64,545—13% below the national median. The combination of lower incomes and elevated rents creates tighter housing affordability than most American communities.

Wrangell ranks among Alaska's most challenging

With a rent-to-income ratio of 19.5%, Wrangell experiences above-average housing cost pressure within Alaska, landing it among the state's least affordable communities. The municipality's lower median income compounds this challenge.

Wrangell's lowest rents, lowest income

Wrangell offers the region's lowest rents at $1,047 monthly, undercutting Southeast Fairbanks ($1,304) and Sitka ($1,350), but the lowest median household income of $64,545 among these six counties offsets that advantage. Owner costs of $819 monthly are competitive, making homeownership relatively more attractive than renting.

Wrangell's budget-conscious housing math

Renters earning $64,545 annually spend $1,047 monthly on housing, consuming a notable chunk of take-home pay. Homeowners with $289,700 median home values pay $819 monthly—far more manageable at 15% of household income, suggesting ownership is worth pursuing here.

Wrangell for buyers seeking small-town living

Wrangell appeals to remote workers and retirees with modest incomes who prioritize ownership over renting. The low purchase prices and manageable ownership costs make building equity possible here, though renters should plan conservatively given the tight affordability picture.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Wrangell City and Borough

$

Rent Burden

19.5%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,506

per month

Owner Cost Burden

15.2%

of gross income

The median home in Wrangell City and Borough may be a stretch

Median home value is $289,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,313 vs. your max of $1,506.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio19.5%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska?
Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska has a median monthly rent of $1,047/mo and a median home value of $289,700. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 24.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Wrangell City and Borough?
The median gross rent in Wrangell City and Borough is $1,047/mo. This is 14% below state average for Alaska.
Is Wrangell City and Borough affordable?
Wrangell City and Borough is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 24.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Wrangell City and Borough's rent compare to the state average?
Wrangell City and Borough's median rent of $1,047/mo is 14% below state average of $1,221/mo for Alaska.
What is the median home value in Wrangell City and Borough?
The median home value in Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska is $289,700. This is 3% above the national median home value of $281,900.
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.