Cost of Living in Big Lake, AK
Population 3,291 · Alaska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Incomes in Big Lake punch well above what you'd expect from a town of 3,291. The reason is straightforward: extraction-sector wages. Median household earnings of $76,292 pair with home values that remain well below the national median.
Big Lake is about 35 miles northwest of Anchorage, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 24% lower than Anchorage's $376,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Big Lake
The median home value in Big Lake is $286,600 — 6% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,165/month, 11% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $76,292/year is 2% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, below the national average of 4.8%. Alaska charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 45.3°F and lows of 30.4°F. Overall, Big Lake has a cost of living index of 92 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 8% less expensive.
Big Lake 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 | 23 | 28 | 34 | 47 | 58 | 66 | 68 | 66 | 57 | 43 | 29 | 25 |
| Low °F | 8 | 12 | 17 | 30 | 41 | 50 | 54 | 51 | 43 | 30 | 16 | 11 |
| Precip" | 0.46 | 0.71 | 0.54 | 0.30 | 0.62 | 0.99 | 1.70 | 2.48 | 3.02 | 1.57 | 0.88 | 0.89 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Big Lake, AK?
Big Lake has a cost index of 92 (100 = national average). It is 8% below the national average.
What is average rent in Big Lake, AK?
The median gross rent in Big Lake is $1,165 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Big Lake?
The median home value in Big Lake is $286,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Big Lake?
The median household income in Big Lake is $76,292 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Big Lake, AK?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Big Lake is 1.8%. Alaska has no state income tax.
Is Big Lake, AK affordable?
Big Lake is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 92 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Big Lake?
Big Lake has average high temperatures of 45.3°F and average lows of 30.4°F. Annual precipitation is 14.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Big Lake at a Glance
- Population
- 3,291
- Median Income
- $76,292
- Home Value
- $286,600
- Median Rent
- $1,165/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 45.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 1.8%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Alaska Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs