Barrow, AK Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Barrow, AK Utility & Living Guide

Living in Barrow, Alaska offers a unique and rugged experience with breathtaking Arctic landscapes and a strong sense of community.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$500/mo
1BR Rent$1800/mo
COL Index110 (+10% above national average)
Family Score5/10
Median Home$340,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Barrow
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$250/mo

City of Utqiagvik
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$100/mo

City of Utqiagvik
🗑️ Garbage

$50/mo

City of Utqiagvik
📶 Internet

$100/mo

Combined Average Overhead $500/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1800/mo
2 Bedrooms$2500/mo
3 Bedrooms$3500/mo
Median Home Price$340,000
Property Tax Rate1.5%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Barrow is limited, with most homes being owned by the City or the North Slope Borough. Rentals are scarce and often expensive due to the high cost of living and transportation. Homeownership is also challenging due to the harsh Arctic environment and high maintenance costs.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

110

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

120

Transportation

150

Healthcare

120

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Property Tax Rate1.5%
<p>No state sales tax, but some local taxes may apply</p>

Alaska has no state income tax, but residents may still be subject to federal income tax

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
5/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

5.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
-2% (declining)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Low, with key industries including whaling, fishing, and tourism
Top Local Concerns
High cost of living, limited job opportunities, climate change
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited, but the city has a few stroller-friendly areas, including the Utqiagvik Airport and some local parks

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    The Tuzzy Consortium Library
  • 🎯
    the Inupiat Heritage Center
  • 🎯
    the Arctic Ocean shoreline

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families are those with easy access to schools, parks, and community facilities, such as the area around the Barrow High School and the Tuzzy Consortium Library. However, housing options are limited, and many families must rely on multi-family dwellings or shared housing.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Barrow based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Residents must comply with regulations related to hunting, fishing, and whaling, as well as environmental protections for the Arctic ecosystem

The current financial trend in Barrow is focused on sustainable energy and economic development, with a growing emphasis on tourism and ecotourism. However, the high cost of living and limited job opportunities remain significant challenges for residents.

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📊 Barrow — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Barrow fluctuate significantly by season, with higher electricity costs in the winter due to increased heating demands. In contrast, summer months see lower utility costs, but higher prices for groceries and other essentials due to increased shipping costs.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 99723 has a property tax millage rate of 10.5, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

4/10, due to limited sidewalk quality, few parks, and limited elevator access in transit, but with some family-friendly infrastructure, such as the Utqiagvik Airport and local community centers

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