Cost of Living in Butte, AK

Population 3,905 · Alaska · Data vintage 2023

106
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Incomes in Butte punch well above what you'd expect from a town of 3,905. The reason is straightforward: extraction-sector wages. Median household earnings of $105,625 pair with home values that remain well below the national median.

Butte is about 25 miles northeast 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 15% lower than Anchorage's $376,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 105
Rent 107

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Butte

The median home value in Butte is $320,100 — 5% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,412/month, 7% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $105,625/year is 42% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%, 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 45.1°F and lows of 29.1°F. Overall, Butte has a cost of living index of 106 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 6% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$320,100
5% above avg
Median Rent
$1,412/mo
7% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.9x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.0%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,004
1 BR
$1,129
2 BR
$1,413
3 BR
$1,839
4 BR
$2,224
Owner-occupied 80.8%
Renter-occupied 19.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,412
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,026/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
34.2 min
27% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
70.0%
Carpooled
8.5%
Public transit
0.1%
Walked
6.9%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
8.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 1.8%
State rate 0.0%
Avg local rate 1.8%
Property Tax 1.0%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$105,625
42% above avg
Per Capita Income
$43,028
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
10% below avg
Poverty Rate
7.9%
Labor Force Participation
66.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 21.8%
Graduate degree 9.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.1
Male median age 40
Female median age 40.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
45.1°F
Avg Low
29.1°F
Annual Precip
12.6"
18° 35° 53° 70° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 222834485966686556422925
Low °F 81317303947514841291611
Precip" 0.650.700.470.300.621.001.602.322.081.250.660.96

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 14 — Good
88.5%
Good air days/yr
102
Max AQI recorded
301
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Butte, AK?

Butte has a cost index of 106 (100 = national average). It is 6% above the national average.

What is average rent in Butte, AK?

The median gross rent in Butte is $1,412 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Butte?

The median home value in Butte is $320,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Butte?

The median household income in Butte is $105,625 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Butte, AK?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Butte is 1.8%. Alaska has no state income tax.

Is Butte, AK affordable?

Butte is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 106 (100 = US average).

What is the weather like in Butte?

Butte has average high temperatures of 45.1°F and average lows of 29.1°F. Annual precipitation is 12.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Butte at a Glance

Population
3,905
Median Income
$105,625
Home Value
$320,100
Median Rent
$1,412/mo
Unemployment
4.3%
Avg High Temp
45.1°F
Sales Tax
1.8%
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🗺️ County data for Alaska

Explore county-level cost of living data

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