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Ester, AK Utility & Living Guide
Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.
Monthly Utility Costs
$150/mo
—
$50/mo
$30/mo
$70/mo
Housing Market
| Rent & Property | |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1000/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1400/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2000/mo |
| Median Home Price | $280,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.1% |
| Avg Childcare/mo | $1200 |
The housing market in Ester is relatively small, with a mix of older and newer homes, and a growing demand for rentals. Prices are generally lower than in larger Alaskan cities, but can vary depending on location and amenities. The area is popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Cost of Living
108
+8% above national average
105
100
102
$1200
Tax Rates
| Tax Overview | |
|---|---|
| Property Tax Rate | 1.1% |
| <p>No state sales tax, no county sales tax, no city sales tax</p> | |
Alaska has no state income tax, but residents may still be subject to federal income tax.
Family & Relocation
60
7.2/10
$1200/mo
City Pulse
Ester has limited public transportation options, but the area is relatively walkable and bikeable, with some sidewalks and bike paths.
- Chena Hot Springs Resort
- University of Alaska Museum of the North
- Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Household Budget Calculator
Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Ester based on your household profile.
📰 Live Local News
Ester has regulations regarding zoning, building permits, and environmental protection, which are enforced by the Fairbanks North Star Borough.
Financial Tools
- Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
- Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
- Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
- Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city
- Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
- Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
- Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
- City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side
Find Another City Guide
Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.
📊 Ester — Census & Demographic Data
Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.
☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs
Utility costs in Ester can fluctuate significantly by season, with higher electricity bills in the winter due to heating, and lower bills in the summer. However, the area's natural gas-free status means that residents do not have to worry about gas bills.
🏛️ Local Tax Details
The ZIP code 99709 has a property tax millage rate of 10.5, with no local surtaxes.
👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness
6, due to limited sidewalk and bike path infrastructure, but with some family-friendly amenities and outdoor recreation opportunities.
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