Cost of Living in Meadow Lakes, AK

Population 8,994 · Alaska · Data vintage 2023

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

Meadow Lakes's economy is tied closely to the extraction industries that dominate much of Alaska. Median household incomes of $81,250 run at or above national figures despite the small population — a direct signal of the wage premium that mining, oil, and gas employers pay. Home values of $305,000 keep the overall cost equation favorable.

Meadow Lakes is about 35 miles northwest 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 19% lower than Anchorage's $376,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 100
Rent 100

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

About the Cost of Living in Meadow Lakes

The median home value in Meadow Lakes is $305,100 — equal to the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,308/month, equal to than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $81,250/year is 9% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Alaska charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, Meadow Lakes has a cost of living index of 100 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is on par with the national average.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$305,100
0% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$375,241
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,308/mo
0% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.4x
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 78.6%
Renter-occupied 21.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,308
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,922/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
36.2 min
34% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
10.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
70.2%
Carpooled
11.9%
Walked
1.4%
Bicycle
0.6%
Work from home
10.6%

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
$81,250
9% above avg
Per Capita Income
$34,498
Unemployment Rate
5.0%
5% above avg
Poverty Rate
12.6%
Labor Force Participation
55.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.2%
Graduate degree 6.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.9
Male median age 37.1
Female median age 39.2

💨 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 Meadow Lakes, AK?

Meadow Lakes has a cost index of 100 (100 = national average). It is near the national average.

What is average rent in Meadow Lakes, AK?

The median gross rent in Meadow Lakes is $1,308 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Meadow Lakes?

The median home value in Meadow Lakes is $305,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Meadow Lakes?

The median household income in Meadow Lakes is $81,250 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Meadow Lakes, AK?

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

Is Meadow Lakes, AK affordable?

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

Meadow Lakes at a Glance

Population
8,994
Median Income
$81,250
Home Value
$305,100
Median Rent
$1,308/mo
Unemployment
5.0%
Sales Tax
1.8%
View all cities in Alaska →
🗺️ County data for Alaska

Explore county-level cost of living data

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