Cost of Living in Valdez, AK
Population 3,911 · Alaska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Small, well-paid, and production-driven — Valdez sits at the intersection of rural Alaska and the state's energy economy. Median household incomes near $97,067 reflect that wage base, while housing costs track the smaller-town baseline. At 7.6%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Valdez lies roughly 100 miles east of the nearest major metro, Anchorage. Median home values run roughly 17% lower than Anchorage's $376,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Valdez
The median home value in Valdez is $312,400 — 2% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,463/month, 11% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $97,067/year is 30% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.6%, 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 46.0°F and lows of 33.3°F, with about 325.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, Valdez has a cost of living index of 106 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 6% more expensive.
Valdez 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 | 29 | 32 | 37 | 46 | 56 | 63 | 64 | 62 | 55 | 45 | 34 | 31 |
| Low °F | 19 | 21 | 23 | 32 | 40 | 46 | 49 | 47 | 42 | 34 | 25 | 22 |
| Precip" | 6.56 | 5.92 | 4.10 | 3.37 | 3.02 | 2.44 | 3.87 | 7.00 | 9.76 | 7.98 | 6.14 | 7.74 |
| Snow" | 66.6 | 63.4 | 45.8 | 22.3 | 3.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 9.1 | 43.5 | 70.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Valdez, AK?
Valdez has a cost index of 106 (100 = national average). It is 6% above the national average.
What is average rent in Valdez, AK?
The median gross rent in Valdez is $1,463 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Valdez?
The median home value in Valdez is $312,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Valdez?
The median household income in Valdez is $97,067 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Valdez, AK?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Valdez is 1.8%. Alaska has no state income tax.
Is Valdez, AK affordable?
Valdez is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 106 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Valdez?
Valdez has average high temperatures of 46.0°F and average lows of 33.3°F. Annual precipitation is 67.9". Average annual snowfall is 325.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Valdez at a Glance
- Population
- 3,911
- Median Income
- $97,067
- Home Value
- $312,400
- Median Rent
- $1,463/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 46.0°F
- 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