Alaska's cost of living index is 127 — 27.0% above the US average of 100. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
127
US avg = 100
vs. National Avg
+27.0%
More expensive
Median Income
$77,790
Alaska median household
Equiv. at US Avg
$61,252
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 127 | MIT/MERIC composite index (US avg = 100) |
| vs. National | +27.0% | Above average cost |
| Median Household Income | $77,790 | Alaska median (2023 ACS) |
| National Purchasing Power | $61,252 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | Very High | Qualitative classification |
| Population | 733,391 | 2020 US Census |
With a cost of living index of 127, Alaska is 27% above the national average. Higher costs in Alaska mean your dollar stretches less far than in most states. A salary of $77,790 in Alaska provides the equivalent purchasing power of $61,252 in a state with average cost of living.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.Alaska's median home price of $340,000 is near the national median of approximately $310,000. Other factors include state income tax (none in Alaska), sales tax (no state sales tax), and local property tax rates (1.19%).
