Cost of Living in Ketchikan, AK - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $2,880 monthly including rent, or $982 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $4,061 with rent, or $1,743 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $5,243 including rent, or $2,504 for daily expenses alone.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$18.97 $18.97

$11.98 $11.98

$35.18 $35.18

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$73.9 $73.9

$49.28 $49.28

$123 $123

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.01 $11.01

$9.96 $9.96

$14.01 $14.01

Cappuccino

$5.03 $5.03

$3.46 $3.46

$7.90 $7.90

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.49 $2.49

$1.96 $1.96

$3.92 $3.92

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.96 $1.96

$1.47 $1.47

$2.95 $2.95

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.12 $6.12

$4.08 $4.08

$8.67 $8.67

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.21 $7.21

$5.15 $5.15

$10.29 $10.29

Milk (1 liter)

$1.01 $1.01

$0.75 $0.75

$1.44 $1.44

White Bread (500g)

$3.46 $3.46

$2.12 $2.12

$5.44 $5.44

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.43 $4.43

$2.13 $2.13

$8.75 $8.75

Eggs

$3.33 $3.33

$2.95 $2.95

$3.69 $3.69

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.45 $12.45

$7.11 $7.11

$22.39 $22.39

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.30 $11.30

$6.02 $6.02

$19.49 $19.49

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.61 $15.61

$10.03 $10.03

$24.53 $24.53

Apples (1kg)

$5.00 $5.00

$2.61 $2.61

$8.98 $8.98

Banana (1kg)

$1.64 $1.64

$1.13 $1.13

$4.28 $4.28

Oranges (1kg)

$4.33 $4.33

$2.24 $2.24

$8.99 $8.99

Tomato (1kg)

$4.83 $4.83

$2.25 $2.25

$9.01 $9.01

Potato (1kg)

$2.86 $2.86

$1.33 $1.33

$6.20 $6.20

Onion (1kg)

$2.92 $2.92

$1.88 $1.88

$4.54 $4.54

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.02 $2.02

$1.36 $1.36

$2.94 $2.94

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.13 $2.13

$1.19 $1.19

$3.23 $3.23

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.50 $9.50

$7.92 $7.92

$11.88 $11.88

Wine (Bottle)

$16.38 $16.38

$10.91 $10.91

$26.20 $26.20

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.83 $1.83

$1.75 $1.75

$2.89 $2.89

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.27 $3.27

$1.56 $1.56

$5.83 $5.83

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.04 $2.04

$1.27 $1.27

$2.04 $2.04

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$24.97 $24.97

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.47 $3.47

$2.98 $2.98

$4.96 $4.96

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.59 $1.59

$1.52 $1.52

$2.13 $2.13

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$28.98 $28.98

$26.21 $26.21

$34.74 $34.74

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.08 $1.08

$0.94 $0.94

$1.30 $1.30

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$29.0K $29.0K

$23.2K $23.2K

$35.3K $35.3K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.6K $25.6K

$25.0K $25.0K

$27.0K $27.0K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$188 $188

$120 $120

$344 $344

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$53.0 $53.0

$30.11 $30.11

$100 $100

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$66.8 $66.8

$49.27 $49.27

$98.5 $98.5

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.67 $42.67

$17.37 $17.37

$49.62 $49.62

Cinema Ticket

$13.36 $13.36

$10.88 $10.88

$17.81 $17.81

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,285 $1,285

$990 $990

$1,828 $1,828

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.9K $23.9K

$17.1K $17.1K

$27.7K $27.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$50.3 $50.3

$29.51 $29.51

$78.7 $78.7

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$40.38 $40.38

$25.24 $25.24

$65.6 $65.6

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$85.6 $85.6

$59.2 $59.2

$128 $128

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$111 $111

$63.6 $63.6

$199 $199

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,625 $1,625

$1,400 $1,400

$1,850 $1,850

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,606 $1,606

$1,506 $1,506

$1,707 $1,707

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,405 $2,405

$2,356 $2,356

$2,454 $2,454

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,464 $2,464

$2,314 $2,314

$2,615 $2,615

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,775 $2,775

$2,748 $2,748

$2,802 $2,802

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,810 $2,810

$2,783 $2,783

$2,838 $2,838

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,486 $4,486

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.51

6.19

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: April 22, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $1,625 for a central one-bedroom, or $1,606 outside the center. At around 36% of the average salary ($4,486), rent noticeably above the typical 30% rent-to-income guideline.

Average take-home pay sits at $4,486, while typical expenses reach $2,880. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $389 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $74 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $25 per month.

Cost Highlights

Public transport monthly pass is cheaper than 92% of cities in North America

Ketchikan, AK is more expensive than 94% of cities worldwide and 85% within North America.

Ketchikan, AK Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Ketchikan, AK - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with many mainland US cities, you'll find some costs higher here in Ketchikan, driven by remote location and limited supply. You'll notice housing can be competitive for a small town, but utilities and groceries can rise due to shipping and climate. For digital nomads and seasonal workers, value comes with flexible housing and transit options, plus opportunities near the waterfront and historic downtown. You'll trade anonymity for sea breeze and nature access. The Cost of Living in Ketchikan, AK, United States often reflects the town's geography and supply chain realities. Budgeting around groceries, dining out, and freight-heavy goods helps you stay balanced. Tip: look for longer-term stays or room shares to soften up-front costs, and time your visit to shoulder seasons for better deals.

Day-to-day life here centers on proximity to the water and nature. Housing options range from compact apartments in the downtown core to small houses on hillside streets; you’ll find some competition during peak tourist season. Groceries come from local markets and regional chains, with shipping effects visible on specialty items and produce. Transportation leans on walking, ferries, boats, and a seasonal bus; cars aren’t always necessary. Co-working is possible in cafes and a few shared spaces, and you’ll likely mix work with outdoor errands. This is part of the Ketchikan, AK, United States living cost you’ll observe when stocking up. Tip: plan shorter work blocks with scenic breaks to stay productive and curious.

Quality of life here blends pristine scenery with a tight-knit community and practical budgeting. You’ll find a compact city vibe with accessible outdoor recreation, plus slower-paced evenings. To stretch your budget, align housing with your work needs – consider short-term leases or roommates, and favor neighborhoods that balance views with affordable rents. Seasonal shifts affect prices for lodging, food, and activities, so plan shoulder-season bookings for value and plan for shorter winter daylight hours. Build a simple monthly framework: fix essential costs first, then allocate a flexible entertainment and exploration fund. Tip: use local marketplaces, community boards, and seasonal markets to snag deals and meet neighbors.

Living in Ketchikan, AK doesn't come cheap – monthly expenses with rent reach $2,880, putting it among the pricier cities worldwide. Housing dominates the cost, but food, services, and leisure all sit above the global median too.

Budget at least $2,880 per month to live in Ketchikan, AK once rent is factored in. The high price tag reflects quality infrastructure and a strong economy, but it does mean you need a decent income to live comfortably here.

At $4,486 take-home, most residents in Ketchikan, AK can cover the $2,880 monthly cost of living. Those earning $4,321 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.

Where you live in Ketchikan, AK makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $1,625; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $1,606. Overall, the market runs from $1,606 to $1,625 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.

A monthly transit pass in Ketchikan, AK runs about $24.97, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.

A single person's grocery bill in Ketchikan, AK runs about $389 monthly, which is above average. Everything from dairy and meat to fresh produce costs more here, reflecting the city's overall high price level.

At $2,880 in typical monthly expenses, a $1,500 budget barely covers Ketchikan, AK. You'd need a shared flat in an outer area, home-cooked meals, and serious discipline with discretionary spending to make it work.

Expats in Ketchikan, AK enjoy fast internet, clean air, coastal lifestyle, and monthly costs average around $2,880. The international crowd is active and welcoming, and practical stuff – bank accounts, apartment hunting, healthcare – is all manageable with some basic prep.