B-
16%
Overall NAT. AVG.
18%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
21%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Ester Alaska National
Cost of living116122100
Groceries118119100
Health care108110100
Housing121137100
Transportation112113100
Utilities123124100
Lifestyle & Entertainment115117100
Household Items108110100
Education & Childcare114114100
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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Ester is 5% lower than the Alaska average
  • The cost of living in Ester is 16% higher than the national average
  • Ester housing is 21% higher than the national average
  • Alaska general sales tax is 100% lower than the national average
  • Alaska state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Ester

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Compare Ester, AK Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$148,886$12,407$3,474$4,467
      Renters$98,356$8,196$2,295$2,951

      Alaska Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Alaska 0% 7%

      Alaska Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Alaska 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fox, AK19411414.1%
      South Van Horn, AK4048317.1%
      Goldstream, AK3,41911413.7%
      Fairbanks, AK32,17711716.7%
      Steele Creek, AK7,56712019.6%
      Ester, AK2,24111616.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Woodstock, NB2,241n/a 
      Disraeli, QC2,241n/a 
      Rockwell City, IA2,2428020.2%
      Biggar, SK2,242n/a 
      Clearlake Oaks, CA2,2391088.2%
      Ester, AK2,24111616.0%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.