Cost of Living in Sterling, AK
Population 6,776 · Alaska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Incomes in Sterling punch well above what you'd expect from a town of 6,776. The reason is straightforward: extraction-sector wages. Median household earnings of $110,341 pair with home values that remain well below the national median. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Sterling is about 65 miles southwest of Anchorage, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 8% lower than Anchorage's $376,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sterling
The median home value in Sterling is $346,100 — 13% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,095/month, 17% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $110,341/year is 48% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.0%, 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 43.5°F and lows of 27.7°F. Overall, Sterling has a cost of living index of 101 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 1% more expensive.
Sterling 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 | 33 | 44 | 55 | 60 | 63 | 63 | 56 | 43 | 30 | 25 |
| Low °F | 7 | 12 | 14 | 28 | 36 | 44 | 49 | 47 | 40 | 29 | 16 | 11 |
| Precip" | 0.89 | 0.83 | 0.64 | 0.58 | 0.79 | 1.20 | 1.98 | 2.68 | 3.57 | 2.56 | 1.41 | 1.14 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Sterling, AK?
Sterling has a cost index of 101 (100 = national average). It is 1% above the national average.
What is average rent in Sterling, AK?
The median gross rent in Sterling is $1,095 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sterling?
The median home value in Sterling is $346,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Sterling?
The median household income in Sterling is $110,341 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sterling, AK?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sterling is 1.8%. Alaska has no state income tax.
Is Sterling, AK affordable?
Sterling is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 101 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Sterling?
Sterling has average high temperatures of 43.5°F and average lows of 27.7°F. Annual precipitation is 18.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Sterling at a Glance
- Population
- 6,776
- Median Income
- $110,341
- Home Value
- $346,100
- Median Rent
- $1,095/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 43.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 1.8%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Alaska Rankings
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