Cost of Living in Bethel, AK
Population 6,313 · Alaska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Small, well-paid, and production-driven — Bethel sits at the intersection of rural Alaska and the state's energy economy. Median household incomes near $109,718 reflect that wage base, while housing costs track the smaller-town baseline.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bethel
The median home value in Bethel is $354,400 — 16% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,657/month, 26% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $109,718/year is 47% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Alaska charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 38.4°F and lows of 24.4°F, with about 64" of annual snowfall. Overall, Bethel has a cost of living index of 120 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 20% more expensive.
Bethel has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 13 | 20 | 22 | 37 | 52 | 62 | 64 | 61 | 53 | 38 | 24 | 16 |
| Low °F | 1 | 7 | 7 | 21 | 34 | 45 | 49 | 47 | 39 | 26 | 13 | 4 |
| Precip" | 0.77 | 0.88 | 0.74 | 0.79 | 1.21 | 1.77 | 2.57 | 3.36 | 2.89 | 1.84 | 1.80 | 1.06 |
| Snow" | 9.4 | 8.1 | 8.8 | 6.0 | 1.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 3.9 | 13.2 | 12.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bethel, AK?
Bethel has a cost index of 120 (100 = national average). It is 20% above the national average.
What is average rent in Bethel, AK?
The median gross rent in Bethel is $1,657 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bethel?
The median home value in Bethel is $354,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Bethel?
The median household income in Bethel is $109,718 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bethel, AK?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bethel is 1.8%. Alaska has no state income tax.
Is Bethel, AK affordable?
Bethel is above average in cost of living, with an index of 120 — about 20% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Bethel?
Bethel has average high temperatures of 38.4°F and average lows of 24.4°F. Annual precipitation is 19.7". Average annual snowfall is 64". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Bethel at a Glance
- Population
- 6,313
- Median Income
- $109,718
- Home Value
- $354,400
- Median Rent
- $1,657/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 38.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 1.8%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Alaska Rankings
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