Word of warning, cost of living deceptive
-
2/24/2014
A word of warning to people researching places before taking a job or moving. The published cost of living estimates for Kodiak can drastically understate the true cost of living, especially for single people looking for a one or two bedroom, studio, or room for rent. The lowest priced rental I could find that met a very basic level of habitability for a studio/one bedroom was $850/month, but most will be in the $950-1200 range. The place quoted was with month to month lease, no kitchen (just a microwave and one sink in the bathroom), shower no tub, no closet, furnished, no ability to receive US mail or get landline/internet, but free cable TV and utilities included. I also found a small furnished room in a decent house with a nice but noisy owner for the same price. For a 2 bedroom you are looking at least $1200/month. Land is at a premium here as the town is trapped between the hills and the ocean. Food is expensive but maybe just 50% above national average overall. The town has cable internet available, but it is much slower than the lower 48 standard, and unlike the lower 48 you don't get unlimited data. You have to pay expensive overages if you use more than 5GB (depends on plan and monthly rate). If you like streaming videos/movies regularly, get ready to pay for the nose or give it up.
Christian | Kodiak, AK