Income Needed to Buy a Home in Alaska (2026)
Verdict: stretch — requires $108,841/year (#39 least affordable of 51 US states)
Alaska ranks #39 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $387,636 requires a household income of about $108,841. That's $13,176 more than the median household actually earns ($95,665) — a shortfall of 14% of typical income.
Alaska's affordability ratio of 1.14 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 10.9% better than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 11.8% above the cross-state median of $346,668.
An effective property tax rate of 0.91% adds $294 per month, while homeowners insurance runs about $1,035/year. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $2,540. Alaska has no state income tax, which effectively boosts take-home pay relative to the sticker income requirement.
Alaska monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $387,636 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $348,872 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $2,159 |
| Monthly property tax (0.91% rate) | $294 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $86 |
| Total monthly PITI | $2,540 |
| Required household income | $108,841 |
| Median household income | $95,665 |
Run your own numbers
These figures model the median buyer. Your rate, down payment, and debts change the answer — check your personal maximum with the Home Affordability Analyzer or build a full payment schedule in the Advanced Mortgage Calculator. Closing costs typically add 2–5% on top — estimate them with the Closing Costs Estimator.
How Alaska compares
- Illinois — similar affordability (ratio 1.14, requires $94,840)
- Oklahoma — similar affordability (ratio 1.14, requires $75,467)
- Kentucky — similar affordability (ratio 1.15, requires $74,053)
- West Virginia — among the most affordable US states (requires $48,369)
- Iowa — among the most affordable US states (requires $74,199)
See every state and province ranked in the 2026 Mortgage Affordability Index.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do you need to buy a house in Alaska in 2026?
About $108,841 per year to afford the median-priced home of $387,636, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median Alaska household earns $95,665.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in Alaska?
Roughly $2,540 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is Alaska affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $13,176 (14%), ranking Alaska #39 least affordable of 51 US states.
Methodology & sources
Assumes 10% down, 30-year fixed at prevailing 2026 rates, 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. Home prices from Zillow ZHVI (March 2026); incomes from Census ACS 1-Year 2024; property taxes from Tax Foundation; insurance from Bankrate state averages. Figures model the median scenario and are not financial advice. Full sources on the affordability index.