Cost of Living in Kivalina, AK
Population: 813 | Alaska
Kivalina is 22% less expensive than the national average.
Cost of Living in Kivalina, AK: What You Need to Know
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.
Income
- Median Household Income
- $70,278
- vs US Median ($75,149)
- -6%
Housing
- Median Rent
- $1,028/mo
- Median Home Value
- $119,600
- Median Monthly Housing Cost
- $625/mo
Climate in Kivalina
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 7 | 10 | 9 | 24 | 38 | 50 | 56 | 55 | 46 | 31 | 17 | 10 |
| Avg °F | -1 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 32 | 44 | 51 | 49 | 41 | 26 | 11 | 3 |
| Low °F | -9 | -7 | -8 | 6 | 26 | 38 | 46 | 44 | 35 | 21 | 6 | -4 |
| Rain" | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 1.4 | 2.3 | 1.5 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 0.2 |