Cost of Living in Chugach Census Area, AK

How far does a $70,000 salary go in Chugach Census Area? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $7,241 per year — Alaska levies no state income tax, so that figure covers federal tax only. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,506/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the Chugach Census Area metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $44,687, or roughly $3,724 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.

At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in Chugach Census Area represents approximately 26% of gross income. That approaches the 30% threshold commonly used to define affordability. A smaller unit or a higher salary would improve the picture. Alaska's zero income tax helps offset the rent burden compared to otherwise similar cities that also levy state income tax.