Cost of living in Alaska
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Alaska are 2.4% above the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 102.4 (U.S. = 100), making it the #14 most expensive of 51 states and DC. Compare Alaska with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Alaska prices
- 5.2% cheaper
- Take-home in Alaska at $75,000
- $61,322$5,110 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $58,145$4,845 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- +5.9%+$3,447 a year in Alaska buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Alaska take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Alaska with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Alaska as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Alaska? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Alaska prices by category
| Category | Alaska | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 102.4 | +2.4% |
| Goods | 106.3 | +6.3% |
| Housing (rent) | 93.8 | −6.2% |
| Utilities | 119.0 | +19.0% |
| Other services | 102.2 | +2.2% |
Rents in Alaska are close to the national average. The overall price level fell 0.9% relative to the nation versus 2023 (103.3). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Alaska, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $7,895 | $42,105 | $41,135 | $48,848 |
| $75,000 | $13,679 | $61,322 | $59,908 | $73,272 |
| $100,000 | $21,091 | $78,909 | $77,090 | $97,695 |
At $75,000, Alaska ranks #30 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Alaska paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Alaska equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Alaska. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Alaska once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | +4.5% | $78,410 | $80,159 |
| Oregon | +1.0% | $75,734 | $84,559 |
| California | +8.2% | $81,126 | $89,130 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −15.1% | $63,700 | $64,468 |
| Mississippi | −15.1% | $63,712 | $64,414 |
| Iowa | −14.3% | $64,305 | $64,984 |
| Oklahoma | −14.2% | $64,364 | $65,787 |
| Hawaii | +7.4% | $80,563 | $88,647 |
| Washington, DC | +7.4% | $80,526 | $87,526 |
| New Jersey | +6.3% | $79,723 | $85,515 |
| Texas | −5.2% | $71,115 | $70,100 |
| Florida | +1.0% | $75,773 | $75,513 |
| New York | +5.4% | $79,075 | $85,647 |
Moving from Alaska to a cheaper state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Alaska expensive to live in?
Alaska has a price level of 102.4 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 2.4% above the national average. It ranks #38 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Alaska?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $76,769 in Alaska before taxes. After Alaska taxes, $75,000 takes home $61,322 — worth $59,908 at U.S.-average prices, #30 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Alaska?
Alaska's housing price level is 93.8, meaning rents are 6.2% below the national average. Goods are 106.3 and utilities 119.0.
Which nearby state is cheapest?
Oregon (price level 103.4, +1.0% vs Alaska). A $75,000 Alaska salary is equivalent to $84,559 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.