Cost of Living in Kivalina, AK

With a cost of living index of 78, Kivalina, AK is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 22% cheaper than the national average and 12% below the Alaska state average of 90. Kivalina is a small community of 813 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Kivalina's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,028 (22% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $119,600 (61% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.7x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Kivalina is $70,278, which is 6% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 18% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Kivalina. The area sees an average annual temperature of 22.7°F, with summers averaging 48°F and winters around 1°F. Annual rainfall totals 9.7 inches spread over roughly 85 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.