Are you considering a move to Anchorage, Alaska, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Anchorage, Alaska is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Anchorage, Alaska and help you understand whether $3783 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $4468.93.
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
20.0 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
82.0 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
11.0 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
7.0 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
8.0 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
5.25 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
2.86 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
2.75 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.14 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
4.2 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
4.42 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
3.48 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
12.11 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
13.62 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
21.44 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
6.1 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
2.07 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
5.5 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
7.64 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.34 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
3.07 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
2.76 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
2.66 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
15.0 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.73 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.88 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
10.75 $ |
|
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
2.0 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
60.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
2.75 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.72 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
35.0 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.16 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
28000.0 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
29000.0 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
383.33 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
123.0 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
112.5 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
17.5 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
15.0 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
933.33 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
6000.0 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
49.8 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
69.0 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
83.08 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
101.67 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
1433.33 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
1166.72 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
2100.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
1925.0 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
3552.09 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
2104.34 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
4468.93 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
6.42 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Anchorage, Alaska come to a total of approximately $3783. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1433 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $444 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $1126 per month.
Living in Anchorage, Alaska appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $4468.93. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Anchorage, Alaska, you would likely need an income exceeding $4468.93.
In Anchorage, Alaska, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $4468.93, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Anchorage, Alaska is approximately $1433. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1166.72 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Anchorage, Alaska can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $901 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.
There's a medium overall risk with consistently high crime rates. While you have an abundance of safe activities to do, there are dangers on the streets and in the wild. You can't just show up in Alaska and expect to be safe. It must be studied and prepared for well before you arrive.
Anchorage has a public transportation system that runs throughout the city and more frequent routes downtown. Travel is also available to different parts of Alaska by seaplane, bus, train, and motorcoach. You can rent four-wheel drive vehicles to explore on your own. Anything that is connected to a tourist trip is going to be safer than relying on public transportation. While the risk will be low, you should avoid driving if you aren't comfortable handling a four-wheel drive vehicle in winter weather conditions.
There's a medium risk here. People come to Alaska loaded with goodies and cash and walk around mesmerized by things around them. 29 pickpockets were reported in 2020, and that was during a pandemic year. The year before, the number was 25% higher. You should always take as little as possible with you when walking around a city or going on tours, but just make sure you keep an eye on your stuff and secure it to your body somehow, either with a strap, under your coat, or around your waist. (Hey, fanny packs are cool again!)
Earthquakes, winter storms, blizzards, ice storms, and deadly cold temperatures are the biggest risks here. Flooding can also happen from excessive rain or melting snow and ice. Then there's the risk of tsunamis and wildfires. Ope - almost forget avalanches in the mountains. Animal attacks are also a risk with the number of wild creatures that run in the outdoors where people travel.
The robbery rate in Anchoring is more than 60% higher than the national average, and almost 40% of those robberies happen in public. While there is a storied history of domestic assault problems in Alaska, that doesn't mean a tourist won't be a victim. It is just less likely, since Alaska needs tourists to thrive.
Even though it's the largest city in Alaska, there are a lot of empty lands around. A terror attack wouldn't be out of the question in general, but there's not that sense of concern like a tourist might have in New York or L.A.
The Anchorage FBI office gave safety advice to Alaskans as a rash of scammers targeted people who live there in 2021. Tourists are less likely to fake a scam as long as you realize YOU DID NOT WIN THE LOTTERY OR SWEEPSTAKES, okay? There will be people on the streets offering tours, trinkets, and tastes of Alaskan foods. Some might feel like a scam with high prices. Your smartest option is to book excursions through your cruise line or a travel agent, so your purchase is legit and your personal information is secure.
Domestic violence and alcohol addiction are two big problems in Alaska, and they can lead to more attacks against women. This is not just the final frontier, it's a different world from most places on the planet with a whole new culture. Be sure to travel in pairs, never walk around at night alone, and don't go to a private place with someone you have just met.
The 2022 Water Quality Report goes into great detail about where the water comes from in Alaska and how it gets treated before being sent into the pipes for drinking water. All tests met or exceeded the required standards, and the water is safe for use.
You'll need a U.S. Travel Visa if you are visiting from outside the country, but if you are a U.S. resident, you don't need a passport or visa. U.S. residents WILL need a passport if they are going to Canada as part of their cruise trip or flight route.
The U.S. Dollar is still the only currency accepted. Most excursions are booked and paid for ahead of time. You can use credit cards for souvenir purchases. If you choose to use cash, be sure to keep it secured throughout your clothing. Don't keep it all in one place. There are plenty of ways to exchange currency at banks and Money Mart stores in the city.
You'll hear tour guides say, "it's surprisingly mild in Anchorage." They mean that by Alaska standards, not the ones you are used to. Summers can be in the 70s (F) and will have mostly sunshine all day and night. Winter brings temperatures below freezing with a lot of snow, so bundle up. See if a local outfitter in your hometown, like REI, can help you plan for base, medium, and outer layers in Alaska. There are also websites where you can rent winter gear if you don't want to pay the price for quality products. Just don't buy cheap gear. You will regret it.
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is on the west side of the city. Cruise ships will port in either Whittier (60 miles away) or Seward (120 miles away), and you'll have to drive, shuttle, or take a train to Anchorage. Cruises don't port in Anchorage.
You definitely want Alaska-specific travel insurance, and read the fine print on your cruise travel insurance to ensure you know what's covered. Make sure you either purchase additional health insurance or have a plan that covers an Alaskan adventure.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 24°F | 28°F | 36°F | 47°F | 58°F | 65°F | 67°F | 65°F | 56°F | 42°F | 29°F | 24°F |
| Temp | 18°F | 21°F | 27°F | 38°F | 50°F | 57°F | 60°F | 58°F | 50°F | 36°F | 23°F | 19°F |
| Low | 13°F | 16°F | 21°F | 32°F | 43°F | 51°F | 55°F | 52°F | 44°F | 31°F | 19°F | 14°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | -4°C | -2°C | 2°C | 8°C | 14°C | 18°C | 19°C | 18°C | 13°C | 5°C | -1°C | -4°C |
| Temp | -7°C | -6°C | -2°C | 3°C | 10°C | 13°C | 15°C | 14°C | 10°C | 2°C | -5°C | -7°C |
| Low | -10°C | -8°C | -6°C | 0°C | 6°C | 10°C | 12°C | 11°C | 6°C | 0°C | -7°C | -10°C |