Cost of Living in Alaska
Overall index: 126.7 — ranked #5 of 51 (one of the most expensive).
Where your money goes in Alaska
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Alaska
Estimated annual spending: $82,966($7,966 over budget)
What things cost in Alaska
| Item | Alaska | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $340,000 | $360,000 | $-20,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,730/mo | $1,400/mo | +$330 |
| Gas (regular) | $3.95/gal | $3.50/gal | +$0.45 |
| Electric bill | $196/mo | $137/mo | +$59 |
| Infant childcare | $20,943/yr | $13,500/yr | +$7,443 |
| Dozen eggs | $6.19 | $4.95 | +$1.24 |
| Monthly groceries | $513/mo | $410/mo | +$103 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: Alaska vs national average
What a salary in Alaska is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $63,350 | +$13,350 |
| $75,000 | $95,025 | +$20,025 |
| $100,000 | $126,700 | +$26,700 |
| $125,000 | $158,375 | +$33,375 |
| $150,000 | $190,050 | +$40,050 |
| $200,000 | $253,400 | +$53,400 |
Positive difference means you need to earn more in Alaska to match national-average purchasing power.
Compare Alaska with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Alaska?
Alaska has an overall cost-of-living index of 126.7, making it one of the most expensive (ranked #5 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $340,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,730/month.
Is Alaska expensive to live in?
Yes, Alaska is more expensive than the national average with an overall index of 126.7 (average = 100). Housing costs are especially high at 123.6% of the national average.
How much does housing cost in Alaska?
The median home price in Alaska is $340,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,730/month. Alaska's housing index is 123.6 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 23.599999999999994% above the national average.
How much are groceries in Alaska?
Alaska's grocery index is 125 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $6.19 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $513, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in Alaska?
The average monthly electric bill in Alaska is $196 based on the state's residential rate of 22.17¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in Alaska?
Center-based infant childcare in Alaska averages $20,943/year ($1,745/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Alaska?
A $75,000 salary in Alaska has the same purchasing power as $59,195 at the national average cost of living. Because Alaska is above average in cost, you may need a higher salary to maintain the same lifestyle. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
Where does this data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Alaska Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after Alaska taxes
- House Affordability in Alaska — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare Alaska take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.