Cost of Living in Sitka, AK

Population 8,393 · Alaska · Data vintage 2023

128
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Incomes in Sitka punch well above what you'd expect from a town of 8,393. The reason is straightforward: extraction-sector wages. Median household earnings of $101,207 pair with home values that remain well below the national median. At 7.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Cost Overview

Housing 145
Rent 103

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

About the Cost of Living in Sitka

The median home value in Sitka is $442,100 — 45% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,350/month, 3% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $101,207/year is 36% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.1%, 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 48.9°F and lows of 37.8°F. Overall, Sitka has a cost of living index of 128 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$442,100
45% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$740,430
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,350/mo
3% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
27.3x
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 61.7%
Renter-occupied 38.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,350
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,964/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
13.1 min
51% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
61.5%
Carpooled
10.4%
Public transit
0.3%
Walked
14.9%
Bicycle
2.6%
Work from home
7.9%

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
$101,207
36% above avg
Per Capita Income
$45,532
Unemployment Rate
7.1%
48% above avg
Poverty Rate
8.4%
Labor Force Participation
71.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 21.8%
Graduate degree 12.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.6
Male median age 39
Female median age 40.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
48.9°F
Avg Low
37.8°F
Annual Precip
102.1"
20° 33° 45° 58° 70° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 373942495458606257494238
Low °F 293030343945505045393330
Precip" 9.586.486.435.014.053.635.539.6113.7814.7912.1411.03

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Sitka, AK?

Sitka has a cost index of 128 (100 = national average). It is 28% above the national average.

What is average rent in Sitka, AK?

The median gross rent in Sitka is $1,350 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Sitka?

The median home value in Sitka is $442,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Sitka?

The median household income in Sitka is $101,207 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Sitka, AK?

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

Is Sitka, AK affordable?

Sitka is above average in cost of living, with an index of 128 — about 28% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Sitka?

Sitka has average high temperatures of 48.9°F and average lows of 37.8°F. Annual precipitation is 102.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Sitka at a Glance

Population
8,393
Median Income
$101,207
Home Value
$442,100
Median Rent
$1,350/mo
Unemployment
7.1%
Avg High Temp
48.9°F
Sales Tax
1.8%
View all cities in Alaska →
🗺️ County data for Alaska

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