Cost of Living in Unalaska, AK

Population 4,430 · Alaska · Data vintage 2023

150
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Small, well-paid, and production-driven — Unalaska sits at the intersection of rural Alaska and the state's energy economy. Median household incomes near $114,286 reflect that wage base, while housing costs track the smaller-town baseline.

Cost Overview

Housing 147
Rent 155

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

About the Cost of Living in Unalaska

The median home value in Unalaska is $448,700 — 47% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,040/month, 55% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $114,286/year is 53% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%, 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 44.3°F and lows of 34.3°F, with about 67.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, Unalaska has a cost of living index of 150 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$448,700
47% above avg
Median Rent
$2,040/mo
55% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.3x
Favors buying
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 27.3%
Renter-occupied 72.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,040
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,654/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
8.3 min
69% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
51.2%
Carpooled
9.8%
Walked
29.4%
Work from home
7.5%

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
$114,286
53% above avg
Per Capita Income
$53,093
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
10% below avg
Poverty Rate
7.6%
Labor Force Participation
86.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 15.4%
Graduate degree 2.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.7
Male median age 38.5
Female median age 39.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
44.3°F
Avg Low
34.3°F
Annual Precip
42.7"
Annual Snowfall
67.3"
20° 30° 40° 50° 60° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 333535404752565753474036
Low °F 242624303642474843363126
Precip" 3.383.172.982.702.642.742.513.714.504.934.994.42
Snow" 12.610.012.86.41.20.00.00.00.02.08.214.1

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Unalaska, AK?

Unalaska has a cost index of 150 (100 = national average). It is 50% above the national average.

What is average rent in Unalaska, AK?

The median gross rent in Unalaska is $2,040 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Unalaska?

The median home value in Unalaska is $448,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Unalaska?

The median household income in Unalaska is $114,286 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Unalaska, AK?

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

Is Unalaska, AK affordable?

Unalaska is above average in cost of living, with an index of 150 — about 50% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Unalaska?

Unalaska has average high temperatures of 44.3°F and average lows of 34.3°F. Annual precipitation is 42.7". Average annual snowfall is 67.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Unalaska at a Glance

Population
4,430
Median Income
$114,286
Home Value
$448,700
Median Rent
$2,040/mo
Unemployment
4.3%
Avg High Temp
44.3°F
Sales Tax
1.8%
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