Cost of Living in Palmer, AK
Population 6,141 · Alaska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Palmer sits on the smaller end of the Alaska city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Palmer is about 30 miles north of Anchorage, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 27% lower than Anchorage's $376,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Palmer
The median home value in Palmer is $275,900 — 10% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,134/month, 14% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,550/year is 5% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.4%, 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 45.1°F and lows of 29.1°F. Overall, Palmer has a cost of living index of 89 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 11% less expensive.
Palmer 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 | 22 | 28 | 34 | 48 | 59 | 66 | 68 | 65 | 56 | 42 | 29 | 25 |
| Low °F | 8 | 13 | 17 | 30 | 39 | 47 | 51 | 48 | 41 | 29 | 16 | 11 |
| Precip" | 0.65 | 0.70 | 0.47 | 0.30 | 0.62 | 1.00 | 1.60 | 2.32 | 2.08 | 1.25 | 0.66 | 0.96 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Palmer, AK?
Palmer has a cost index of 89 (100 = national average). It is 11% below the national average.
What is average rent in Palmer, AK?
The median gross rent in Palmer is $1,134 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Palmer?
The median home value in Palmer is $275,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Palmer?
The median household income in Palmer is $70,550 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Palmer, AK?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Palmer is 1.8%. Alaska has no state income tax.
Is Palmer, AK affordable?
Yes, Palmer is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 89 — about 11% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Palmer?
Palmer 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.
Palmer at a Glance
- Population
- 6,141
- Median Income
- $70,550
- Home Value
- $275,900
- Median Rent
- $1,134/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 45.1°F
- 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