Cost of Living in Petersburg, AK

Population 3,346 · Alaska · Data vintage 2023

95
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Petersburg's economy is tied closely to the extraction industries that dominate much of Alaska. Median household incomes of $76,466 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 $299,000 keep the overall cost equation favorable.

Cost Overview

Housing 98
Rent 92

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

About the Cost of Living in Petersburg

The median home value in Petersburg is $298,500 — 2% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,208/month, 8% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $76,466/year is 3% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.3%, below the national average of 4.8%. Alaska charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 47.9°F and lows of 38.0°F, with about 85.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Petersburg has a cost of living index of 95 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 5% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$298,500
2% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$395,959
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,208/mo
8% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.6x
Favors renting
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 70.6%
Renter-occupied 29.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,208
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,822/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
7.8 min
71% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
52.2%
Carpooled
9.9%
Public transit
0.2%
Walked
21.0%
Bicycle
2.1%
Work from home
7.4%

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
$76,466
3% above avg
Per Capita Income
$41,952
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
31% below avg
Poverty Rate
5.8%
Labor Force Participation
67.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 18.6%
Graduate degree 8.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45.5
Male median age 44.5
Female median age 47

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
47.9°F
Avg Low
38.0°F
Annual Precip
110.2"
Annual Snowfall
85.6"
20° 33° 45° 58° 70° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 353740485560626156473935
Low °F 272830354248515046393228
Precip" 11.397.607.606.665.864.985.638.2114.3513.8412.2811.79
Snow" 20.716.920.01.10.20.00.00.00.00.410.815.5

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Petersburg, AK?

Petersburg has a cost index of 95 (100 = national average). It is 5% below the national average.

What is average rent in Petersburg, AK?

The median gross rent in Petersburg is $1,208 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Petersburg?

The median home value in Petersburg is $298,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Petersburg?

The median household income in Petersburg is $76,466 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Petersburg, AK?

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

Is Petersburg, AK affordable?

Petersburg is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 95 (100 = US average).

What is the weather like in Petersburg?

Petersburg has average high temperatures of 47.9°F and average lows of 38.0°F. Annual precipitation is 110.2". Average annual snowfall is 85.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Petersburg at a Glance

Population
3,346
Median Income
$76,466
Home Value
$298,500
Median Rent
$1,208/mo
Unemployment
3.3%
Avg High Temp
47.9°F
Sales Tax
1.8%
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