Cost of Living in Kotzebue, AK
Population 3,046 · Alaska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Small, well-paid, and production-driven — Kotzebue sits at the intersection of rural Alaska and the state's energy economy. Median household incomes near $106,328 reflect that wage base, while housing costs track the smaller-town baseline.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Kotzebue
The median home value in Kotzebue is $264,500 — 13% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,610/month, 23% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $106,328/year is 43% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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 29.8°F and lows of 18.3°F, with about 64.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Kotzebue has a cost of living index of 101 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 1% more expensive.
Kotzebue 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 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 24 | 39 | 53 | 60 | 57 | 48 | 31 | 16 | 9 |
| Low °F | -8 | -6 | -6 | 9 | 27 | 42 | 51 | 48 | 39 | 23 | 6 | -4 |
| Precip" | 0.62 | 0.85 | 0.52 | 0.56 | 0.44 | 0.60 | 1.60 | 2.13 | 1.42 | 1.07 | 0.82 | 0.73 |
| Snow" | 9.4 | 13.1 | 6.4 | 4.7 | 1.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.6 | 5.9 | 11.0 | 11.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kotzebue, AK?
Kotzebue has a cost index of 101 (100 = national average). It is 1% above the national average.
What is average rent in Kotzebue, AK?
The median gross rent in Kotzebue is $1,610 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Kotzebue?
The median home value in Kotzebue is $264,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Kotzebue?
The median household income in Kotzebue is $106,328 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Kotzebue, AK?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Kotzebue is 1.8%. Alaska has no state income tax.
Is Kotzebue, AK affordable?
Kotzebue is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 101 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Kotzebue?
Kotzebue has average high temperatures of 29.8°F and average lows of 18.3°F. Annual precipitation is 11.4". Average annual snowfall is 64.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Kotzebue at a Glance
- Population
- 3,046
- Median Income
- $106,328
- Home Value
- $264,500
- Median Rent
- $1,610/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 29.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 1.8%
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