Kenai, AK vs Valdez, AK

Kenai is moderately more affordable than Valdez, with a 14.2% lower cost of living index. Kenai scores 92 compared to 107 for Valdez, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Valdez can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Kenai is $1,134/month compared to $1,463/month in Valdez — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Kenai is more affordable at $249,400 median vs $312,400.

Median household income in Kenai is $74,907 compared to $97,067 in Valdez (-22.8%). While Valdez is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Kenai spend roughly 18.2% of their income on rent, more than the 18.1% in Valdez.

Climate-wise, Valdez is notably warmer with an average of 39.7°F compared to 35.6°F in Kenai. Valdez receives more rainfall at 67.9" per year compared to 18.3" in Kenai.