Cost of Living in Utqiaġvik, AK
Population 4,850 · Alaska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Utqiaġvik's economy is tied closely to the extraction industries that dominate much of Alaska. Median household incomes of $89,038 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 $282,000 keep the overall cost equation favorable. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Utqiaġvik
The median home value in Utqiaġvik is $282,400 — 7% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,190/month, 9% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $89,038/year is 19% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.3%, 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 19.2°F and lows of 8.3°F, with about 45.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Utqiaġvik has a cost of living index of 92 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 8% less expensive.
Utqiaġvik 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 | -5 | -6 | -4 | 11 | 27 | 41 | 48 | 45 | 37 | 26 | 12 | -0 |
| Low °F | -18 | -18 | -17 | -3 | 19 | 31 | 36 | 35 | 30 | 17 | -0 | -12 |
| Precip" | 0.14 | 0.21 | 0.18 | 0.18 | 0.28 | 0.43 | 0.98 | 1.09 | 0.77 | 0.54 | 0.37 | 0.22 |
| Snow" | 3.5 | 3.5 | 2.9 | 3.6 | 3.4 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.8 | 4.1 | 10.3 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Utqiaġvik, AK?
Utqiaġvik has a cost index of 92 (100 = national average). It is 8% below the national average.
What is average rent in Utqiaġvik, AK?
The median gross rent in Utqiaġvik is $1,190 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Utqiaġvik?
The median home value in Utqiaġvik is $282,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Utqiaġvik?
The median household income in Utqiaġvik is $89,038 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Utqiaġvik, AK?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Utqiaġvik is 1.8%. Alaska has no state income tax.
Is Utqiaġvik, AK affordable?
Utqiaġvik is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 92 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Utqiaġvik?
Utqiaġvik has average high temperatures of 19.2°F and average lows of 8.3°F. Annual precipitation is 5.4". Average annual snowfall is 45.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Utqiaġvik at a Glance
- Population
- 4,850
- Median Income
- $89,038
- Home Value
- $282,400
- Median Rent
- $1,190/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 19.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 1.8%
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Alaska Rankings
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