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Cost of Living in Ketchikan

Is it better to rent or buy in Ketchikan? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$84,304
$1,422/mo

Median in area: $1,422

$349,546

Median in area: $349,546

$69,909

If you Rent

$1,552 /mo
Base Rent$1,422
Est. Utilities$130
% of Income22.1%
Pre-tax Residual$5,473

If you Buy

$2,257 /mo
P&I (6.897%)$1,841
Taxes & Ins$286
Est. Utilities$130
% of Income32.1%
Pre-tax Residual$4,768

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Ketchikan?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Ketchikan. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,552, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,257 per month (a difference of $705).

How much do utilities cost in Ketchikan?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Ketchikan is approximately $130. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Ketchikan?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Ketchikan without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $62,080 per year.