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Kodiak, AK vs Sterling, AK

106
Kodiak
Alaska
VS
+7.7%
98
Sterling
Alaska

Sterling is moderately more affordable than Kodiak, with a 7.7% lower cost of living index. Kodiak scores 106 compared to 98 for Sterling, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Kodiak can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Kodiak is $1,430/month compared to $1,095/month in Sterling — a 31% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Sterling has cheaper rent, Kodiak actually has lower median home values ($314,800 vs $346,100).

Median household income in Kodiak is $71,373 compared to $110,341 in Sterling (-35.3%). Sterling offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Kodiak spend roughly 24% of their income on rent, more than the 11.9% in Sterling.

Climate-wise, Kodiak is notably warmer with an average of 42.2°F compared to 35.6°F in Sterling. Kodiak receives more rainfall at 78.3" per year compared to 18.3" in Sterling.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Kodiak
106
Sterling
98
7% cheaper
Median Household Income
Kodiak
$71,373
Sterling
$110,341
35% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Kodiak
$1,430
Sterling
$1,095
23% cheaper
Median Home Value
Kodiak
$314,800
9% cheaper
Sterling
$346,100
Population
Kodiak
5,497
Sterling
6,776

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Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Kodiak 42.2°F
Sterling 35.6°F
Summer High
Kodiak 62°F
Sterling 63°F
Winter Low
Kodiak 26°F
Sterling 7°F
Rainfall
Kodiak 78.3"
Sterling 18.3"
Rainy Days
Kodiak 204d
Sterling 122d