2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Palmer, AK vs Kenai, AK

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Highlights
Are people in Kenai older or younger than people in Palmer?
- The Median Age in Kenai is 4.8 years older than in Palmer.

Are housing costs cheaper in Kenai or Palmer?
- Kenai housing costs are 16.6% less expensive than Palmer housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Kenai or Palmer?
- The average commute for residents of Kenai is 10.2 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Palmer.

Things to do in Palmer?
Living in Palmer, AK is a unique experience. The small town atmosphere and friendly locals make it a great place to call home. The outdoors offer countless activities, from hiking to fishing and hunting, or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Alaskan wilderness. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration, including local trails and nearby parks and recreation areas. Shopping in Palmer is also convenient with an array of stores to choose from. Public transportation makes getting around easy whether you need to get to Anchorage or Wasilla. Overall, Palmer is a wonderful place to live with its small-town charm and proximity to so many outdoor attractions.

Things to do in Kenai?
Kenai, Alaska is a beautiful place to live. The scenery is breathtaking with its towering mountains, expansive glaciers and meandering rivers. Summers are mild with temperatures rarely going above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the sun shines almost 24 hours a day during this time of year. Winters are cold but still comfortable due to the surrounding snow-covered mountains that act as temperature regulators. Wildlife viewing, hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation opportunities are plentiful in the area, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts to explore and enjoy. Additionally, Kenai hosts many festivals throughout the year and has a vibrant downtown district filled with shops and restaurants. All in all, Kenai is an incredible place to live with something for everyone - from natural wonders to cultural events and activities.

 Palmer, AKKenai, AKUnited States
 Population  Unlock7,452329,725,481
 Median Income$62,068  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock35.338.4
 Avg. Home Price$351,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock8.9%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time30.16  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Palmer    3 Reviews

The first time I saw Palmer was in 1974. It's grown up from the old days of farm country complete with 4-H clubs, fields of crops and livestock. Gone are most of the  More

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Over 19 years ago

The four months of cold and dark. Winter lasts about 8 months, but the real cold, dark lasts about 4 months. It is getting harder and harder to deal with as I get  More

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Over 19 years ago

I have lived in Palmer for 11 years. I love everything about it except about four months of the dark, cold winters. The people are  More

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Reviews for Kenai    4 Reviews

Over 10 years ago

Moving to Kenai AK August 2012, opened doors for new adventures, and fulfilling a life long dream. As a person with a disability, I spent many years attempting to  More

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So, it is Alaska and you might expect as much, but Kenai seems to have more than the average nasty weather days. This past summer has been miserable. We wear jackets at  More

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It's Alaska after all, so a person would already expect some degree of cold climate conditions. But Kenai lies close to the Cook Inlet and it's weather comes right off  More

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