This section carefully summarizes median and average rent and utilities across key Alaskan areas based on rental surveys and cost-of-living reviews; levels differ by city and unit type, and the share of utilities included in leases strongly affects the effective rate.
For the latest year, the Municipality of Anchorage shows average contract rent around the low 1.4k USD range (median high 1.3k), Fairbanks North Star near the low 1.4k (median mid 1.3k), Juneau near the high 1.3k (median mid 1.3k), with notably different inclusion rates for heat and water.
Median rents and included utilities
Surveys report not only rent levels but also the percentage of units where heat, electricity, hot water, water, trash, sewer, and snow removal are included, which is essential for comparing bare rent versus full cost of living.
| Area | Median Contract Rent (USD) | Heat incl. (%) | Water incl. (%) | Sewer incl. (%) | Vacancy (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | ~1,375 | ~74 | ~92 | ~89 | ~4.6 |
| Fairbanks North Star | ~1,350 | ~85 | ~69 | ~66 | ~12.0 |
| Juneau | ~1,350 | ~58 | ~94 | ~86 | ~3.9 |
Rounded figures based on aggregated annual rental survey data.
Variability by housing type
Listing data indicates one-bed and two-bed units in Anchorage near 1.2k and 1.65k USD toward year-end, but effective price depends on included utilities and lease term.
Smaller boroughs can show lower medians, but accessibility and seasonality raise household costs via energy and groceries.
Utilities: the climate factor
Northern cities face higher utility costs because of heating demand and grid specifics, raising overall living budgets.
When comparing equal nominal rent, check whether heat, water, sewer, and trash are included; this changes city-to-city comparability.
Market and dynamics
Across the year, several areas experienced rent growth, especially for certain unit types; growth rates were elevated in some periods.
Coastal vacancy is tight, while northern boroughs can have higher vacancy, widening differences in lease terms and concessions.
Practical takeaways for renters
- Compare full cost: contract rent plus utilities not included in the lease.
- Account for seasonal energy and transport costs that indirectly affect the housing budget.
- Check vacancy and included-utility shares for a negotiation edge in the chosen city/borough.
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