Cost of Living in Ketchikan, AK
Population 8,151 · Alaska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Small, well-paid, and production-driven — Ketchikan sits at the intersection of rural Alaska and the state's energy economy. Median household incomes near $76,835 reflect that wage base, while housing costs track the smaller-town baseline.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Ketchikan
The median home value in Ketchikan is $340,300 — 12% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,319/month, equal to than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $76,835/year is 3% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.1%, below the national average of 4.8%. Alaska charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 51.3°F and lows of 40.8°F. Overall, Ketchikan has a cost of living index of 107 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 7% more expensive.
Ketchikan has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 40 | 41 | 44 | 50 | 57 | 61 | 65 | 65 | 59 | 51 | 44 | 40 |
| Low °F | 32 | 32 | 32 | 37 | 43 | 49 | 53 | 53 | 48 | 41 | 36 | 33 |
| Precip" | 16.17 | 11.80 | 10.98 | 10.25 | 8.68 | 7.02 | 7.33 | 11.30 | 14.30 | 18.37 | 17.07 | 16.27 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Ketchikan, AK?
Ketchikan has a cost index of 107 (100 = national average). It is 7% above the national average.
What is average rent in Ketchikan, AK?
The median gross rent in Ketchikan is $1,319 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Ketchikan?
The median home value in Ketchikan is $340,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Ketchikan?
The median household income in Ketchikan is $76,835 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Ketchikan, AK?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ketchikan is 1.8%. Alaska has no state income tax.
Is Ketchikan, AK affordable?
Ketchikan is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 107 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Ketchikan?
Ketchikan has average high temperatures of 51.3°F and average lows of 40.8°F. Annual precipitation is 149.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Ketchikan at a Glance
- Population
- 8,151
- Median Income
- $76,835
- Home Value
- $340,300
- Median Rent
- $1,319/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 51.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 1.8%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Alaska Rankings
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