Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$73,996$6,166 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Bethel Census Area, AK
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Bethel Census Area, AK
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Bethel Census Area, AK. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,688 | $20,256 | $67,520 | 27.4% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,719 | $20,628 | $68,760 | 27.9% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,938 | $23,256 | $77,520 | 31.4% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,324 | $27,888 | $92,960 | 37.7% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,566 | $30,792 | $102,640 | 41.6% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Bethel Census Area, AK
Based on the local median household income of $73,996/year ($6,166/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Alaska
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Alaska state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Alaska with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Bethel Census Area, AK
What is the median household income in Bethel Census Area, AK?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Bethel Census Area, AK is $73,996 per year (approximately $6,166 per month).
What is the average rent in Bethel Census Area, AK?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Bethel Census Area, AK are $1,688 for a studio, $1,719 for 1 bedroom, $1,938 for 2 bedrooms, $2,324 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,566 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Bethel Census Area, AK compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Bethel Census Area, AK is 102.4 (2.4% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Bethel Census Area, AK?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,938/month) in Bethel Census Area, AK requires a minimum gross household income of $77,520 per year ($6,460 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Bethel Census Area, AK?
For a typical household earning the median income of $73,996/year ($6,166/month) in Bethel Census Area, AK, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,083/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,850/month to discretionary spending, and $1,233/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Bethel Census Area, AK?
Residential electricity rates in Alaska average 28.2¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $254 per month.