Skyline of Juneau
Cost of Living: 135 32,000

Juneau, AK, US

Alaska's capital city nestled between mountains and sea, with no road access and stunning scenery.

Updated September 12, 2026

Overview

Juneau is a city in AK with a population of 32,000. Alaska’s capital city nestled between mountains and sea, with no road access and stunning scenery. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Last updated: September 12, 2026

Cost of Living 135

Very High vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 150

Above Average

Median Income $70,000

Household income

Unemployment 4.0%

Job market health

Juneau vs US Average

Cost of Living
Juneau: 135
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Juneau: 150
US Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 0.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $70,000
  • Unemployment: 4.0%
  • Population: 32,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 155/year
  • Summer High: 65°F
  • Winter Low: 20°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a

Housing

  • Median Home: $400,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1400/mo

Not sure this is the right city?

Take our 2-minute quiz to discover the best cities for your lifestyle and budget.

Take the Quiz

Cost of Living

Juneau's cost of living index is 135 (US average = 100).

CategoryJuneauNational AverageDifference
Overall135100+35.0%
Housing150100+50.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$400,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1400/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,750/mo
Price per Sq Ft$266

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Juneau:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$200Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$123Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$85Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$95Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$35Private service
Total Utilities$538Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Juneau scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 135
Rent
— $1400
Sunny Days
— 155
Tax
— None
Unemployment
— 4.0%
Climate
— 65°F / 20°F
Safety
— 5.8 homicides/100k
Population
— 32,000
Internet Speed
— 200 Mbps

Climate

Juneau has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January40°F20°F2.5"
April50°F35°F2.8"
July65°F40°F1.5"
October45°F38°F2.2"
USDA Zone 5a

Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Juneau faces the following natural hazards:

Earthquake Extreme Risk

One of the most seismically active regions in the world.

Blizzard Extreme Risk

Extreme cold and blizzards.

Wildfire High Risk

Frequent wildfire seasons.

Landslide High Risk

Mountainous region with landslides.

Avalanche High Risk

Mountainous region with frequent avalanches.

Flood Moderate Risk

River and coastal flooding.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 0%
  • Property Tax: ~1.23% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.

Schools & Education

86/100
School Quality Score
Better than 94% of US cities
?
11
Total Schools
3.3:1
Student:Teacher
80.8%
Free/Reduced Lunch

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Demographics

The population of Juneau is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Asian
6.9%
Black or African American
0.7%
Hispanic or Latino
7.0%
Native American
8.3%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
1.4%
Other
0.3%
Two or more races
13.6%
White
61.8%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
40.5%
High school graduate
21.3%
Less than high school
5.3%
Some college
32.9%

Religion

Christian
55.0%
Other
10.0%
Unaffiliated
35.0%

Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Juneau, AK, US?

The cost of living index in Juneau is 135, which is Higher the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Juneau?

The median home price in Juneau is $400,000. The housing index is 150.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Juneau is approximately $1400/mo.

Does Juneau, AK have income tax?

Juneau is in AK, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Juneau?

Juneau enjoys approximately 155 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 65°F, while winter lows can drop to around 20°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.