Cost of Living in Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Kodiak Island Borough Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Kodiak Island Borough ranks #1,841 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 41%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska
Kodiak Island: Alaska's most expensive housing burden
At 23.9%, Kodiak Island's rent-to-income ratio is the highest across all measured Alaska counties and significantly exceeds national norms, meaning residents dedicate nearly a quarter of income to rent. The $1,669 monthly rent is Alaska's priciest, while the $83,716 median income, though solid, struggles to absorb this exceptional housing cost.
Kodiak ranks as Alaska's least affordable
Kodiak Island's 23.9% rent-to-income ratio is the worst in Alaska, 5.3 percentage points above the state average of 18.6%. The $1,669 median monthly rent is the absolute highest statewide, creating genuine affordability pressure despite residents earning a respectable $83,716 annually.
Island pricing isolates Kodiak from peers
Kodiak Island's $1,669 rent vastly exceeds nearly every other Alaska community: Juneau is $207 cheaper ($1,462), Fairbanks is $245 cheaper ($1,424), and most others pale in comparison. Geographic isolation and island economy dynamics drive Kodiak's exceptional cost burden.
Renters spend 23.9%, owners $1,459/month
Kodiak renters spend nearly a quarter of their $83,716 income—$1,669 monthly—leaving limited room for other expenses and savings. Even homeowners pay a steep $1,459 monthly, making Kodiak Island the state's most challenging market for both renting and ownership.
Kodiak demands highest income tolerance statewide
Only consider relocating to Kodiak Island if you secure substantially above-market wages; the 23.9% rent burden is the worst in Alaska and drains household budgets. Compare this burden against Haines' 15.1% ratio or Dillingham's 17.5% to fully appreciate Kodiak's exceptional housing cost pressure.
Cost of Living Advisory: Kodiak Island Borough
Affordability Verdict
Kodiak Island Borough offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,669/month — about 23.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Kodiak Island Borough pay $1,669/month on average, compared to $1,459/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 13%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $66,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $62,529/year. With a median household income of $83,716, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Kodiak Island Borough are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Juneau City and Borough where rent averages $1,462/month, Kodiak Island Borough is approximately 14% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Kodiak Island Borough
Rent Burden
23.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,953
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.9%
of gross income
The median home in Kodiak Island Borough may be a stretch
Median home value is $382,700. Estimated monthly cost: $3,055 vs. your max of $1,953.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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