Cost of Living in South Lakes, AK
Population 6,132 · Alaska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
South Lakes's economy is tied closely to the extraction industries that dominate much of Alaska. Median household incomes of $89,632 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 $368,000 keep the overall cost equation favorable. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
South Lakes is about 30 miles north of Anchorage, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Anchorage's $376,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in South Lakes
The median home value in South Lakes is $367,700 — 21% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,191/month, 9% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $89,632/year is 20% 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. Overall, South Lakes has a cost of living index of 109 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 9% more expensive.
South Lakes 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in South Lakes, AK?
South Lakes has a cost index of 109 (100 = national average). It is 9% above the national average.
What is average rent in South Lakes, AK?
The median gross rent in South Lakes is $1,191 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in South Lakes?
The median home value in South Lakes is $367,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in South Lakes?
The median household income in South Lakes is $89,632 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in South Lakes, AK?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in South Lakes is 1.8%. Alaska has no state income tax.
Is South Lakes, AK affordable?
South Lakes is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 109 (100 = US average).
South Lakes at a Glance
- Population
- 6,132
- Median Income
- $89,632
- Home Value
- $367,700
- Median Rent
- $1,191/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.1%
- 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