Kachemak, AK vs Point Lay, AK
The cost of living difference between Kachemak, AK and Point Lay, AK is dramatic. Point Lay is 45.6% cheaper than Kachemak, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Kachemak has a cost index of 104 while Point Lay sits at 71, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.
On the housing front, median rent in Kachemak is $1,120/month compared to $825/month in Point Lay — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Point Lay is more affordable at $117,000 median vs $404,300.
Median household income in Kachemak is $71,125 compared to $92,000 in Point Lay (-22.7%). Point Lay offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Kachemak spend roughly 18.9% of their income on rent, more than the 10.8% in Point Lay.
Climate-wise, Kachemak is notably warmer with an average of 40°F compared to 22.7°F in Point Lay. Kachemak receives more rainfall at 23.9" per year compared to 9.7" in Point Lay.
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Housing
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)