Rent Affordability for Alaska (2026)
Alaska (AK) Key Facts
Average 1 B R Rent
$1,150
Median Monthly Income
$6,417
Recommended Max Rent (30% Rule)
$1,925
Affordability Gap
Affordable
Rent to Income Ratio
17.9%
How This Calculator Works in Alaska
This rent affordability calculator helps you determine how much rent you can reasonably afford in Alaska based on your income and the 30% rule. Enter your monthly income and desired rent to see whether your housing costs are within a healthy range. The calculator also shows how your situation compares to the Alaska average.
Alaska Overview
With a median household income of $77,000, Alaska residents can afford roughly $1,925/month in rent under the 30% guideline. Average 1-bedroom rent is about $1,150/month. Alaska has no state income tax, which means renters keep more of their paycheck, effectively improving rent affordability compared to states with income taxes.
How Alaska Compares
Alaska's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% is within the recommended 30% range. In neighboring Washington, the ratio is 23.4%. Nationally, about half of renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing, highlighting the widespread challenge of rental affordability.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $1,600 | Average 1BR rent is $1,600 with median monthly income of $6,833. The 30% rule allows $2,050 for rent, which covers average rent. |
| Hawaii | $1,800 | Average 1BR rent is $1,800 with median monthly income of $7,000. The 30% rule allows $2,100 for rent, which covers average rent. |
| Oregon | $1,400 | Average 1BR rent is $1,400 with median monthly income of $5,833. The 30% rule allows $1,750 for rent, which covers average rent. |
In Alaska, the median household earns $77,000 annually ($6,417 per month). Using the 30% rule, the recommended maximum rent is $1,925 per month. With average 1BR rents at $1,150, rents are within the recommended affordability range. Nationally, about half of renters are considered cost-burdened (paying more than 30% of income on housing).
Tips for Alaska Residents
- 1The 30% rule suggests spending no more than 30% of gross income on rent. In Alaska, with a median household income of $77,000, the maximum recommended rent is about $1,925/month.
- 2Average 1-bedroom rent in Alaska is roughly $1,150/month. This is within or near the 30% guideline for the median household, indicating reasonable affordability at the state level.
- 3Alaska has no state income tax, which means renters keep more of their paycheck, effectively improving rent affordability compared to states with income taxes.
- 4Beyond rent, budget for utilities ($100-$300/month), renters insurance ($15-$30/month), and any parking or pet fees. These can add 10-20% on top of your base rent in Alaska.
- 5If you are spending more than 30% of income on rent in Alaska, look into housing assistance programs such as Section 8 vouchers, state-funded rental assistance, or employer housing benefits.