Cost of Living in Kenai, AK
Population 7,562 · Alaska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Kenai's economy is tied closely to the extraction industries that dominate much of Alaska. Median household incomes of $74,907 run at or above national figures despite the small population — a direct signal of the wage premium that mining, oil, and gas employers pay. Home values of $249,000 keep the overall cost equation favorable. At 8.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Kenai lies roughly 75 miles west of the nearest major metro, Anchorage. Median home values run roughly 34% lower than Anchorage's $376,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Kenai
The median home value in Kenai is $249,400 — 18% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,134/month, 14% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $74,907/year is equal to than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. Alaska charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 43.5°F and lows of 27.7°F. Overall, Kenai has a cost of living index of 84 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 16% less expensive.
Kenai has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 22 | 28 | 33 | 44 | 55 | 60 | 63 | 63 | 56 | 43 | 30 | 25 |
| Low °F | 7 | 12 | 14 | 28 | 36 | 44 | 49 | 47 | 40 | 29 | 16 | 11 |
| Precip" | 0.89 | 0.83 | 0.64 | 0.58 | 0.79 | 1.20 | 1.98 | 2.68 | 3.57 | 2.56 | 1.41 | 1.14 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kenai, AK?
Kenai has a cost index of 84 (100 = national average). It is 16% below the national average.
What is average rent in Kenai, AK?
The median gross rent in Kenai is $1,134 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Kenai?
The median home value in Kenai is $249,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Kenai?
The median household income in Kenai is $74,907 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Kenai, AK?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Kenai is 1.8%. Alaska has no state income tax.
Is Kenai, AK affordable?
Yes, Kenai is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 84 — about 16% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Kenai?
Kenai has average high temperatures of 43.5°F and average lows of 27.7°F. Annual precipitation is 18.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Kenai at a Glance
- Population
- 7,562
- Median Income
- $74,907
- Home Value
- $249,400
- Median Rent
- $1,134/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 43.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 1.8%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Alaska Rankings
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