Cost of Living in Valdez, AK - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,145 (excluding rent), and $2,793 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,850 (excluding rent), and $5,431 including rent.
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$23.68 $23.68
$17.29 $17.29
$30.08 $30.08
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$99.6 $99.6
$75.9 $75.9
$123 $123
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$20.25 $20.25
$15.18 $15.18
$25.31 $25.31
Cappuccino
$4.16 $4.16
$3.43 $3.43
$4.89 $4.89
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.43 $2.43
$1.94 $1.94
$2.92 $2.92
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.21 $2.21
$1.97 $1.97
$2.46 $2.46
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$7.03 $7.03
$6.03 $6.03
$8.04 $8.04
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$9.17 $9.17
$8.15 $8.15
$10.19 $10.19
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.05 $1.05
$0.78 $0.78
$1.49 $1.49
White Bread (500g)
$3.48 $3.48
$2.13 $2.13
$5.46 $5.46
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.4 $4.4
$2.11 $2.11
$8.69 $8.69
Eggs
$4.27 $4.27
$2.03 $2.03
$7.12 $7.12
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.39 $12.39
$7.07 $7.07
$22.28 $22.28
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.51 $11.51
$6.14 $6.14
$19.86 $19.86
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$15.19 $15.19
$9.77 $9.77
$23.87 $23.87
Apples (1kg)
$5 $5
$2.61 $2.61
$8.98 $8.98
Banana (1kg)
$1.56 $1.56
$1.07 $1.07
$4.07 $4.07
Oranges (1kg)
$4.14 $4.14
$2.14 $2.14
$8.58 $8.58
Tomato (1kg)
$4.65 $4.65
$2.17 $2.17
$8.66 $8.66
Potato (1kg)
$2.88 $2.88
$1.34 $1.34
$6.23 $6.23
Onion (1kg)
$2.87 $2.87
$1.85 $1.85
$4.45 $4.45
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.03 $2.03
$1.37 $1.37
$2.96 $2.96
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.13 $2.13
$1.19 $1.19
$3.22 $3.22
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$9.35 $9.35
$7.8 $7.8
$11.7 $11.7
Wine (Bottle)
$14.04 $14.04
$9.03 $9.03
$22.07 $22.07
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.73 $1.73
$1.65 $1.65
$2.73 $2.73
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.45 $3.45
$1.64 $1.64
$6.16 $6.16
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.76 $1.76
$1.1 $1.1
$1.76 $1.76
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.32 $3.32
$2.85 $2.85
$4.74 $4.74
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.44 $1.44
$1.38 $1.38
$1.94 $1.94
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$31.58 $31.58
$28.56 $28.56
$37.86 $37.86
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.88 $0.88
$0.78 $0.78
$1.03 $1.03
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$28.1K $28.1K
$22.5K $22.5K
$34.3K $34.3K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$27.4K $27.4K
$26.7K $26.7K
$28.9K $28.9K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$309 $309
$306 $306
$312 $312
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$57.4 $57.4
$54.9 $54.9
$59.9 $59.9
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$96.7 $96.7
$80.1 $80.1
$110 $110
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$42.31 $42.31
$17.22 $17.22
$49.2 $49.2
Cinema Ticket
$13.14 $13.14
$10.71 $10.71
$17.52 $17.52
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,373 $1,373
$1,058 $1,058
$1,953 $1,953
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$26.3K $26.3K
$18.8K $18.8K
$30.5K $30.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$54.5 $54.5
$31.98 $31.98
$85.3 $85.3
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$34.28 $34.28
$21.43 $21.43
$55.7 $55.7
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$80.7 $80.7
$55.9 $55.9
$121 $121
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$101 $101
$57.6 $57.6
$180 $180
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,580 $1,580
$1,185 $1,185
$1,975 $1,975
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,365 $1,365
$1,009 $1,009
$1,513 $1,513
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,635 $2,635
$2,287 $2,287
$2,983 $2,983
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,475 $2,475
$1,893 $1,893
$2,784 $2,784
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,777 $2,777
$1,983 $1,983
$2,777 $2,777
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,574 $2,574
$1,990 $1,990
$2,574 $2,574
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$7,322 $7,322
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.51
6.19
7
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Valdez, AK - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Valdez, AK a good value for a longer stay compared to other Alaska towns or major U.S. cities?
Valdez offers a rugged, scenic base with a slower pace and practical value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who prioritize nature, downtime, and focused work. Cost of Living in Valdez, AK, United States varies with season and supply routes, shaping daily expenses but generally favors calmer neighborhoods and shorter commutes over urban buzz. You may find rent can be more affordable than in big cities, and you’ll trade some shopping options for access to pristine outdoors and a tight-knit community. A short trial stay helps you measure internet reliability, grocery options, and the balance between work and play. Tip: plan around seasonal shifts and local options to stay flexible and comfortable.
What does daily life look like in Valdez, including housing search, food options, transport, and places to work?
The Valdez, AK, United States living cost can swing with fishing seasons, so plan ahead for fluctuations in availability and supply. Housing search typically uses local rental listings and managers, with options for month-to-month or shared arrangements; utilities are often separate and weatherproofing matters. Food options include small grocers, seafood markets, and occasional co-ops; many residents cook at home, though you can find harbor-side dining during peak seasons. Transport is largely car-dependent, with limited public transit and winter driving requiring careful preparation; outdoor routes and ferries connect to larger hubs. For work or study, you can use cafes with Wi-Fi, the library, or community spaces when open. Tip: build a seasonal routine and network locally to ease errands and collaborations.
How can you optimize quality of life and budgeting in Valdez across seasons, and find a neighborhood that fits your pace?
Quality of life in Valdez rewards a pragmatic budgeting approach that separates needs from wants, with a flexible plan for winter and summer activities. A simple framework works: anchor housing and utilities, then allocate discretionary spending to food, transport, and local recreation, adjusting as seasons change. Neighborhood fit varies from harborfront areas near shops to quieter residential hills with better views; walkability and access to services improve your routine. Look for community groups, volunteer opportunities, and short-term programs to build networks quickly, which can soften costs and enrich life. Tip: sync your budget with seasonal activities, avoid peak tourist weeks when possible, and lean into local tips for value.
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