Cost of Living in College, AK
Population 11,730 · Alaska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Small, well-paid, and production-driven — College sits at the intersection of rural Alaska and the state's energy economy. Median household incomes near $76,831 reflect that wage base, while housing costs track the smaller-town baseline. An unemployment rate of 1.7% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in College
The median home value in College is $279,100 — 8% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,405/month, 7% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $76,831/year is 3% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.7%, 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 38.5°F and lows of 18.1°F, with about 64.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, College has a cost of living index of 98 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 2% less expensive.
🏠 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 | 1 | 12 | 25 | 46 | 62 | 72 | 73 | 66 | 55 | 34 | 12 | 4 |
| Low °F | -17 | -11 | -3 | 22 | 39 | 50 | 53 | 48 | 36 | 18 | -4 | -13 |
| Precip" | 0.61 | 0.52 | 0.40 | 0.34 | 0.54 | 1.48 | 2.26 | 2.10 | 1.35 | 0.76 | 0.74 | 0.57 |
| Snow" | 10.2 | 10.0 | 6.5 | 3.1 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.3 | 8.2 | 12.5 | 10.9 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in College, AK?
College has a cost index of 98 (100 = national average). It is 2% below the national average.
What is average rent in College, AK?
The median gross rent in College is $1,405 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in College?
The median home value in College is $279,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in College?
The median household income in College is $76,831 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in College, AK?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in College is 1.8%. Alaska has no state income tax.
Is College, AK affordable?
College is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 98 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in College?
College 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.
College at a Glance
- Population
- 11,730
- Median Income
- $76,831
- Home Value
- $279,100
- Median Rent
- $1,405/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 38.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 1.8%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Alaska Rankings
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