Cost of Living in Chena Ridge, AK

Population 5,927 · Alaska · Data vintage 2023

116
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Small, well-paid, and production-driven — Chena Ridge sits at the intersection of rural Alaska and the state's energy economy. Median household incomes near $140,722 reflect that wage base, while housing costs track the smaller-town baseline. At 6.6%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Cost Overview

Housing 135
Rent 87

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

About the Cost of Living in Chena Ridge

The median home value in Chena Ridge is $411,600 — 35% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,148/month, 13% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $140,722/year is 89% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.6%, 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 38.5°F and lows of 18.1°F, with about 64.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Chena Ridge has a cost of living index of 116 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 16% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$411,600
35% above avg
Median Rent
$1,148/mo
13% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
29.9x
Favors renting
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 73.2%
Renter-occupied 26.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,148
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,762/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
22.8 min
16% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
72.7%
Carpooled
13.9%
Walked
0.6%
Bicycle
0.4%
Work from home
9.7%

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
$140,722
89% above avg
Per Capita Income
$62,239
Unemployment Rate
6.6%
37% above avg
Poverty Rate
4.0%
Labor Force Participation
66.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 23.2%
Graduate degree 24.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.5
Male median age 38.6
Female median age 38.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
38.5°F
Avg Low
18.1°F
Annual Precip
11.7"
Annual Snowfall
64.6"
-20° 30° 55° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 1122546627273665534124
Low °F -17-11-322395053483618-4-13
Precip" 0.610.520.400.340.541.482.262.101.350.760.740.57
Snow" 10.210.06.53.10.90.00.00.02.38.212.510.9

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 41 — Good
61.4%
Good air days/yr
231
Max AQI recorded
229
PM2.5 days
135
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Chena Ridge, AK?

Chena Ridge has a cost index of 116 (100 = national average). It is 16% above the national average.

What is average rent in Chena Ridge, AK?

The median gross rent in Chena Ridge is $1,148 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Chena Ridge?

The median home value in Chena Ridge is $411,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Chena Ridge?

The median household income in Chena Ridge is $140,722 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Chena Ridge, AK?

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

Is Chena Ridge, AK affordable?

Chena Ridge is above average in cost of living, with an index of 116 — about 16% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Chena Ridge?

Chena Ridge has average high temperatures of 38.5°F and average lows of 18.1°F. Annual precipitation is 11.7". Average annual snowfall is 64.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Chena Ridge at a Glance

Population
5,927
Median Income
$140,722
Home Value
$411,600
Median Rent
$1,148/mo
Unemployment
6.6%
Avg High Temp
38.5°F
Sales Tax
1.8%
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