Cost of Living in Sterling, AK

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D-
27%
Overall NAT. AVG.
23%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
48%
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 Sterling Alaska National
Cost of living127122100
Groceries123119100
Health care112110100
Housing148137100
Transportation114113100
Utilities125124100
Lifestyle & Entertainment122117100
Household Items112110100
Education & Childcare116114100
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Homes For Sale In Sterling, AK

property for sale

36158 Glacier Ave W

Sterling, AK
property for sale

37215 Inglebrook Ct

Sterling, AK
property for sale

28942 Annie Marie Ct

Sterling, AK
property for sale

38055 Sandlin St

Sterling, AK

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Sterling is 4% higher than the Alaska average
  • The cost of living in Sterling is 27% higher than the national average
  • Sterling housing is 48% 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 Sterling

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Compare Sterling, AK Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      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$142,284$11,857$3,320$4,269
      Renters$0$0$0$0
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Sterling, AK, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Sterling, the median monthly income is $142,284 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,320 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $0, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $0 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Funny River, AK1,37611110.8%
      Soldotna, AK4,80611717.4%
      Kenai, AK8,08911818.1%
      Ridgeway, AK2,71212727.1%
      Sterling, AK5,32912727.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bisbee, AZ5,328954.6%
      Turtle Creek, PA5,3288316.9%
      Kahnawake, QC5,328n/a 
      Spring Valley, IL5,3308812.3%
      Yarmouth Port, MA5,33013938.8%
      Sterling, AK5,32912727.1%
      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.
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