Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska
Kenai Peninsula Borough has a HUD fair market rent of $1,390 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,184 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $26.73 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,390
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 8% less than in Alaska
- Typical rent
- $1,184
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 17% less than in Alaska
- Wage needed
- $26.73
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $55,600 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 49%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 9% more than in Alaska
Only here
Renting in Kenai Peninsula Borough: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring boroughs, Lake and Peninsula Borough has the lowest typical rent ($936), 21% below the $1,184 in Kenai Peninsula Borough.
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Kenai Peninsula Borough has the 3rd highest homeownership rate of the 30 boroughs in Alaska (77%).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Kenai Peninsula Borough. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Kenai Peninsula Borough was $1,789 a month in September 2026: 3.7% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,056 | $20.31 | $42,240 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,063 | $20.44 | $42,520 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,390 | $26.73 | $55,600 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,925 | $37.02 | $77,000 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,323 | $44.67 | $92,920 |
HUD area: Kenai Peninsula Borough, AK. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 15 ZIP codes in Kenai Peninsula Borough (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,190 in 99672 to $1,870 in 99610. 8 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,390).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 99556 | $1,020 | $1,020 | $1,340 | $1,860 | $2,240 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99568 | $1,180 | $1,190 | $1,550 | $2,150 | $2,600 |
| 99572 | $1,190 | $1,200 | $1,570 | $2,170 | $2,630 |
| 99603 | $1,120 | $1,130 | $1,480 | $2,050 | $2,470 |
| 99605 | $1,240 | $1,280 | $1,670 | $2,310 | $2,800 |
| 99610 | $1,420 | $1,430 | $1,870 | $2,590 | $3,130 |
| 99611 | $1,000 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,830 | $2,210 |
| 99631 | $1,060 | $1,060 | $1,390 | $1,920 | $2,320 |
| 99635 | $1,060 | $1,060 | $1,390 | $1,920 | $2,320 |
| 99639 | $940 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,720 | $2,070 |
| 99663 | $1,120 | $1,130 | $1,480 | $2,050 | $2,470 |
| 99664 | $1,250 | $1,260 | $1,650 | $2,280 | $2,760 |
| 99669 | $1,060 | $1,070 | $1,400 | $1,940 | $2,340 |
| 99672 | $900 | $900 | $1,190 | $1,650 | $1,990 |
| 99682 | $1,060 | $1,060 | $1,390 | $1,920 | $2,320 |
- 99556 $1,340$1,860
- 99568 $1,550$2,150
- 99572 $1,570$2,170
- 99603 $1,480$2,050
- 99605 $1,670$2,310
- 99610 $1,870$2,590
- 99611 $1,320$1,830
- 99631 $1,390$1,920
- 99635 $1,390$1,920
- 99639 $1,240$1,720
- 99663 $1,480$2,050
- 99664 $1,650$2,280
- 99669 $1,400$1,940
- 99672 $1,190$1,650
- 99682 $1,390$1,920
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Kenai Peninsula Borough, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Alaska, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
49%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
5,600 households rent in Kenai Peninsula Borough
- Spend half or more of their income 21%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 28%
- Spend less than 30% 51%
Compared with the state and the country
- Kenai Peninsula 49%
- Alaska 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Kenai Peninsula Borough
HUD lists 15 properties with homes for low-income households in Kenai Peninsula Borough: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 10
- HUD-assisted
- 5
385 homes in all; 271 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Chin North Tax credit (LIHTC) 190 W Park Ave, Soldotna 99669 55 low-income homes · 1 bd: 55 · In service since 2014 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families
- Aurora Vista Tax credit (LIHTC) 104 N Gill St, Kenai 99611 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 25 · 2 bd: 23 · In service since 2007
- Bayside Apartments HUD-assisted 1011 Fourth Ave, Seward 99664 36 low-income homes · For families · (907) 224-5767
- Glacier View Apartments HUD-assisted 200 Lowell Canyon Rd, Seward 99664 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (907) 224-3737
- Kimberly Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 1821 Swetmann Rd, Seward 99664 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2013 · For people with disabilities, families
- Woodridge Apartments HUD-assisted 903 Cook Ave, Kenai 99611 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (907) 283-4755
- Northwood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 190 Parkwood Cir, Soldotna 99669 23 homes, 22 low-income · 1 bd: 23 · In service since 1991
- East End Cottages Tax credit (LIHTC) 41718 Crested Crane St, Homer 99603 24 homes, 19 low-income · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 4
- Tyee Court HUD-assisted 346 Tyee St, Soldotna 99669 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (907) 262-8800
- Aurora Commons HUD-assisted 322 Tyee St, Soldotna 99669 5 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (907) 235-4357
- Parkview-Soldotna Associates LP Tax credit (LIHTC) 330 Columbine St, Soldotna 99669 26 homes · In service since 2003
- Harbor Ridge-Homer Associates, LLC Tax credit (LIHTC) 4047 Main St, Homer 99603 24 homes · In service since 2013
- Gateway Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1810 Phoenix Rd, Seward 99664 20 homes · In service since 2004
- Gateway-Seward Associates, LTD PTN Tax credit (LIHTC) 1810 Phoenix Rd, Seward 99664 20 homes
- Bayview Apts. Assoc. LP Tax credit (LIHTC) 214 6th Avenue, Seward 99664 18 homes · In service since 2001
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Kenai Peninsula Borough
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Kenai Peninsula Borough; the state's agencies can help you. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $23,150 | $38,550 | $61,700 |
| 2 people | $27,050 | $44,050 | $70,500 |
| 3 people | $34,150 | $49,550 | $79,300 |
| 4 people | $41,250 | $55,050 | $88,100 |
| 5 people | $48,350 | $59,500 | $95,150 |
| 6 people | $55,450 | $63,900 | $102,200 |
| 7 people | $62,550 | $68,300 | $109,250 |
| 8 people | $69,650 | $72,700 | $116,300 |
Area median income: $110,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Kenai Peninsula Borough, AK. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $950 – $1,162
- 1 bedroom $957 – $1,169
- 2 bedrooms $1,251 – $1,529
- 3 bedrooms $1,733 – $2,118
- 4 bedrooms $2,091 – $2,555
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Kenai Peninsula Borough. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
Your rights as a tenant in Alaska
What Alaska law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- When must they return my deposit?
- 14 or 30 days, depending on the case
- Alaska Stat. §34.03.070(g)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 7 days
- Alaska Stat. §34.03.220(b)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- Alaska Stat. §34.03.290(a)-(b)
- Only a court order can remove youAlaska Stat. §34.03.280
Help
Where to get help with rent in Kenai Peninsula Borough
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Kenai Peninsula Borough. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Rural Alaska Community Action Program
130 E Redoubt Ave, Soldotna
- Budget and credit workshops
- Home improvement and repairs
- and 1 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Kenai Peninsula Borough. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Alaska, the average home bill was $144 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,780
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,390
- Security deposit
- $1,390
- Total
- $2,780
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Kenai Peninsula Borough?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,056; 1 bedroom: $1,063; 2 bedrooms: $1,390; 3 bedrooms: $1,925; 4 bedrooms: $2,323. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Kenai Peninsula Borough?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,390) without spending more than 30% of income takes $26.73 an hour full time, or $55,600 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Kenai Peninsula Borough?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $55,050 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Kenai Peninsula Borough?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,251 and $1,529 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Kenai Peninsula Borough?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,190 in 99672 to $1,870 in 99610. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Kenai Peninsula Borough?
HUD lists 15 properties with homes for low-income households in Kenai Peninsula Borough: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Kenai Peninsula Borough?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Kenai Peninsula Borough, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Alaska, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).