Cost of Living in North Lakes, AK
Population 10,583 · Alaska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Incomes in North Lakes punch well above what you'd expect from a town of 10,583. The reason is straightforward: extraction-sector wages. Median household earnings of $102,785 pair with home values that remain well below the national median. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, North Lakes is about 30 miles north of Anchorage, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 10% lower than Anchorage's $376,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in North Lakes
The median home value in North Lakes is $338,900 — 11% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,459/month, 11% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $102,785/year is 38% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. Alaska charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, North Lakes has a cost of living index of 111 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 11% more 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in North Lakes, AK?
North Lakes has a cost index of 111 (100 = national average). It is 11% above the national average.
What is average rent in North Lakes, AK?
The median gross rent in North Lakes is $1,459 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in North Lakes?
The median home value in North Lakes is $338,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in North Lakes?
The median household income in North Lakes is $102,785 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in North Lakes, AK?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in North Lakes is 1.8%. Alaska has no state income tax.
Is North Lakes, AK affordable?
North Lakes is above average in cost of living, with an index of 111 — about 11% higher than the national average.
North Lakes at a Glance
- Population
- 10,583
- Median Income
- $102,785
- Home Value
- $338,900
- Median Rent
- $1,459/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.2%
- Sales Tax
- 1.8%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Alaska Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs