Cost of Living in Nome, AK

Population 3,668 · Alaska · Data vintage 2023

114
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Nome's economy is tied closely to the extraction industries that dominate much of Alaska. Median household incomes of $113,561 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 $339,000 keep the overall cost equation favorable. At 8.5%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Cost Overview

Housing 111
Rent 119

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

About the Cost of Living in Nome

The median home value in Nome is $338,900 — 11% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,567/month, 19% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $113,561/year is 52% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.5%, 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 34.6°F and lows of 21.3°F, with about 80.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Nome has a cost of living index of 114 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 14% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$338,900
11% above avg
Median Rent
$1,567/mo
19% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.0x
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 48.9%
Renter-occupied 51.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,567
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,181/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
7.6 min
72% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
48.5%
Carpooled
15.2%
Public transit
0.5%
Walked
18.9%
Bicycle
2.2%
Work from home
8.0%

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
$113,561
52% above avg
Per Capita Income
$44,793
Unemployment Rate
8.5%
76% above avg
Poverty Rate
7.9%
Labor Force Participation
72.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.6%
Graduate degree 9.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 31.6
Male median age 33.9
Female median age 30.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
34.6°F
Avg Low
21.3°F
Annual Precip
17.2"
Annual Snowfall
80.8"
-10° 25° 43° 60° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 131718294455585649362416
Low °F -21216314246443725122
Precip" 0.940.990.740.740.890.992.353.222.201.841.271.05
Snow" 13.414.710.76.81.90.20.00.00.54.712.115.8

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Nome, AK?

Nome has a cost index of 114 (100 = national average). It is 14% above the national average.

What is average rent in Nome, AK?

The median gross rent in Nome is $1,567 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Nome?

The median home value in Nome is $338,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Nome?

The median household income in Nome is $113,561 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Nome, AK?

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

Is Nome, AK affordable?

Nome is above average in cost of living, with an index of 114 — about 14% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Nome?

Nome has average high temperatures of 34.6°F and average lows of 21.3°F. Annual precipitation is 17.2". Average annual snowfall is 80.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Nome at a Glance

Population
3,668
Median Income
$113,561
Home Value
$338,900
Median Rent
$1,567/mo
Unemployment
8.5%
Avg High Temp
34.6°F
Sales Tax
1.8%
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