Cost of Living in Gateway, AK

Population 6,716 · Alaska · Data vintage 2023

135
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Incomes in Gateway punch well above what you'd expect from a town of 6,716. The reason is straightforward: extraction-sector wages. Median household earnings of $137,150 pair with home values that remain well below the national median.

Geographically, Gateway is about 25 miles north of Anchorage, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 16% higher than Anchorage's $376,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 143
Rent 123

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

About the Cost of Living in Gateway

The median home value in Gateway is $436,200 — 43% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,612/month, 23% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $137,150/year is 84% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, 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, Gateway has a cost of living index of 135 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$436,200
43% above avg
Median Rent
$1,612/mo
23% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
22.5x
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 80.3%
Renter-occupied 19.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,612
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,226/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
35.6 min
32% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
14.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
64.6%
Carpooled
14.6%
Public transit
1.4%
Walked
0.4%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
14.6%

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
$137,150
84% above avg
Per Capita Income
$50,265
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
7% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.3%
Labor Force Participation
73.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 24.6%
Graduate degree 13.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 32.6
Male median age 32
Female median age 33.4

🌤 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 Gateway, AK?

Gateway has a cost index of 135 (100 = national average). It is 35% above the national average.

What is average rent in Gateway, AK?

The median gross rent in Gateway is $1,612 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Gateway?

The median home value in Gateway is $436,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Gateway?

The median household income in Gateway is $137,150 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Gateway, AK?

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

Is Gateway, AK affordable?

Gateway is above average in cost of living, with an index of 135 — about 35% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Gateway?

Gateway 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.

Gateway at a Glance

Population
6,716
Median Income
$137,150
Home Value
$436,200
Median Rent
$1,612/mo
Unemployment
4.5%
Avg High Temp
45.1°F
Sales Tax
1.8%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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