Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
Alaska's cost of living index of 125.2 makes it one of the most expensive states, driven by high shipping costs and remoteness from the contiguous US.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | Alaska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 102.4 | 100 |
- •In remote villages, everyday goods can cost two to three times Anchorage prices.
- •Alaska's cost of living index is about 25% above the national average.
Housing Costs
Housing costs in Alaska run about 29% above the national average, with a median home value of $372,000 and median rent of $1,340.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | Alaska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 93.8 | 100 |
| Median Home Value ($) | 372000 | 355000 |
- •Building materials in Alaska often must be shipped in by barge, raising construction costs.
- •Homeownership rate in Alaska, 66.2%, is close to the national average despite high prices.
Utility Costs
Utility costs in Alaska are among the highest in the country, with electricity averaging 24.5 cents per kWh and rural diesel-powered villages sometimes exceeding 60 cents per kWh.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (Urban Alaska)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APUS49G72610).
| Indicator | Alaska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 119 | 100 |
| Electricity Price (¢/kWh) | 24.5 | 16.5 |
- •Some remote villages pay over 60 cents per kilowatt-hour for diesel-generated electricity.
- •Cook Inlet natural gas supplies about 45% of Alaska's electricity generation.
Food Costs
Grocery prices in Alaska run about 32% above the national average, with remote communities facing even steeper markups due to shipping costs.
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
| Indicator | Alaska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 106.3 | 100 |
- •In some rural villages, a gallon of milk can cost twice what it does in Anchorage.
- •Subsistence hunting and fishing remain vital ways many Alaskans offset high grocery costs.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs in Alaska are among the highest in the nation, driven by low provider density, long travel distances, and frequent reliance on medical air evacuation.
| Indicator | Alaska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured Rate (%) | 10.5 | 8 |
- •Medical evacuations by aircraft are a routine part of rural Alaska healthcare.
- •The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium operates one of the largest tribal health systems in the country.
Transportation Costs
Transportation in Alaska relies heavily on aviation, ferries and rail given that about 82% of communities lack road access, with gasoline priced around $3.68 per gallon.
Regular gasoline price
1993–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, West Coast region (PADD 5), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R50_DPG).
| Indicator | Alaska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $5.73 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |
- •Alaska has the highest rate of private pilots per capita in the United States.
- •The Alaska Marine Highway ferry system covers roughly 3,500 miles of coastal routes.