Wales, AK Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Featured Deal

Essentials for Your New Home

🛒 Shop This Deal Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Wales, AK Utility & Living Guide

Wales is a city in the Nome Census Area, Alaska, United States. As of the 2020 census, Wales had a population of 168. It is the westernmost city on the North American mainland, although Adak, located on Adak Island, is the westernmost city in Alaska. Wales Airport serves Wales with flights on Bering

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$370/mo
1BR Rent$1000/mo
COL Index110 (+10% above national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$180,000
📷 Live Cameras — Wales
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
🌤️ Live Weather — Wales
Loading weather...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Wales
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Wales?

Moving to Wales? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$200/mo

N/A - City of Wales Electric
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$60/mo

City of Wales Water
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

City of Wales Sanitation
📶 Internet

$80/mo

Combined Average Overhead$370/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1000/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$2000/mo
Median Home Price$180,000
Property Tax Rate1.5%
Avg Childcare/mo$800

The housing market in Wales is limited due to its remote location, with most homes being single-family residences. Rentals are scarce, and prices may be higher than expected due to the lack of supply. Homeownership is a viable option for those willing to invest in the community.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

110

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

120

Transportation

150

Healthcare

80

Childcare/mo

$800

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Property Tax Rate1.5%
<p>No state sales tax, no county sales tax, no city sales tax</p>

No state income tax

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

70

Higher = safer
School Rating

7/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$800/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Low with key industries in tourism, fishing, and government services
Top Local Concerns
Subsistence lifestyle, environmental conservation, access to healthcare
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited, but the community is relatively small and walkable, with some roads and sidewalks suitable for strollers.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Whale watching
  • 🎯
    dog sledding
  • 🎯
    Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The entire town of Wales is a close-knit community, with most residents living in single-family homes. The area near the school and city center is particularly popular with families, offering easy access to amenities and community events.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Hunting and fishing regulations are strictly enforced, and residents must adhere to subsistence lifestyle guidelines.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Wales — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Wales fluctuate significantly by season, with higher electricity bills in the winter due to heating needs and lower bills in the summer. Additionally, the city's water treatment plant may experience increased costs during the summer months due to higher water usage.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Property tax millage rates in Wales are around 15 mills, with no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

4/10: While the community is small and walkable, the lack of sidewalks and rough road conditions make it challenging to navigate with a stroller, especially during the winter months.

📰 Latest AK Stories
Alaska Living Report — July 27, 2026

Alaska Living Report — July 27, 2026

Alaska is a land of superlatives—the largest state by area, the northernmost in the nation, and home to...

Read more →
Alaska Living Report — July 26, 2026

Alaska Living Report — July 26, 2026

Alaska has long occupied a singular space in the American imagination, conjuring images of untouched wilderness, midnight sun,...

Read more →
Alaska Living Report — July 25, 2026

Alaska Living Report — July 25, 2026

Alaska is a land of extremes, from its vast, untamed wilderness to its unique urban hubs. Home to...

Read more →
Alaska Living Report — July 24, 2026

Alaska Living Report — July 24, 2026

With a population of just 734,821 spread across a landmass larger than Texas, California, and Montana combined, Alaska...

Read more →
Amazon

Get your home essentials, storage, and moving supplies delivered.

Shop Moving Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.