For one person, living costs in Ketchikan, AK are estimated at $2,934 a month, including rent and utilities, which take almost two thirds of the total. Other living expenses average about $37 a day.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Ketchikan, AK actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
Living costs for one person come to about $2,934 monthly including rent, or $1,121 excluding housing.
$2,934 /mo
Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,969 with rent, or $1,911 without housing.
$3,969 /mo
Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $5,003 including rent, or $2,701 for daily expenses alone.
$5,003 /mo
📊
Ketchikan, AK sits 76–116% above the global median across household types. Within North America, costs are 46% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$24.9K$24.9K
$24.5K$24.5K
$32.6K$32.6K
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$23.6K$23.6K
$23.0K$23.0K
$24.3K$24.3K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$198$198
$135$135
$347$347
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$57.8$57.8
$29.85$29.85
$99.5$99.5
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$69.9$69.9
$50.0$50.0
$100$100
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$40.49$40.49
$15.18$15.18
$50.6$50.6
Cinema Ticket
$13.83$13.83
$11.86$11.86
$18.77$18.77
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$1,308$1,308
$1,053$1,053
$1,915$1,915
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$24.3K$24.3K
$18.2K$18.2K
$31.1K$31.1K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$59.8$59.8
$34.06$34.06
$90.8$90.8
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$36.40$36.40
$22.08$22.08
$57.4$57.4
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$79.9$79.9
$58.7$58.7
$122$122
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$113$113
$74.3$74.3
$178$178
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,739$1,739
$1,648$1,648
$1,830$1,830
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$1,615$1,615
$1,541$1,541
$1,688$1,688
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$2,383$2,383
$2,237$2,237
$2,529$2,529
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$2,104$2,104
$1,952$1,952
$2,256$2,256
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$3,395$3,395
$2,804$2,804
$3,691$3,691
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$3,442$3,442
$2,842$2,842
$3,741$3,741
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$4,499$4,499
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
6.57
6
7.58
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 26, 2026
Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Share of the monthly basket for a family of three, rent included.
Ketchikan, AK$2,934
Ketchikan, AK$5,003
🏠Accommodation & Living
$1.6K 55%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$391 13.3%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$326 11.1%
🍽Eating Out
$324 11%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$130 4.4%
🚌Getting Around
$81 2.8%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$68 2.3%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$2.1K 42.1%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$893 17.8%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$384 7.7%
🍽Eating Out
$1K 20.6%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$289 5.8%
🚌Getting Around
$165 3.3%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$136 * 2.7%
Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.
Cost Breakdown
🏠Expect to pay about $1,739 for a central one-bedroom, or $1,615 outside the center. At 39% of the average salary ($4,499), housing is the biggest financial pressure.
💰Average take-home pay sits at $4,499, while typical expenses reach $2,934. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.
🛒Expect to spend about $391 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $75 for two – broadly in line with the North American average.
🚌Public transport is priced at around $61 per month – roughly in line with the North American average of $54.
Cost Highlights
⭐Ketchikan, AK is more expensive than 94% of cities worldwide and 85% within North America.
Low risk of other local infectious diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Tick-borne encephalitis, Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and Sleeping sickness
English is commonly used in services, signage, and daily life
Cost of Living in Ketchikan, AK - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Cost of Living in Ketchikan, AK, United States compare for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to get good value here?
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.
What does daily life look like for housing, groceries, dining, transport, and coworking in Ketchikan?
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.
What are effective budgeting approaches and neighborhood fits to maximize quality of life in Ketchikan, and how should you plan seasonality?
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.
Is Ketchikan, AK really that expensive?
Living in Ketchikan, AK doesn’t come cheap – monthly expenses with rent reach $2,934, putting it among the pricier cities worldwide. Housing dominates the cost, but food, services, and leisure all sit above the global median too.
Why is Ketchikan, AK so expensive compared to other cities?
Budget at least $2,934 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.
How does the average salary in Ketchikan, AK compare to the cost of living?
At $4,499 take-home, most residents in Ketchikan, AK can cover the $2,934 monthly cost of living. Those earning $4,402 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What does a one-bedroom apartment cost in Ketchikan, AK per month?
Where you live in Ketchikan, AK makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $1,739; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $1,615. Overall, the market runs from $1,615 to $1,739 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is public transport affordable in Ketchikan, AK?
A monthly transit pass in Ketchikan, AK runs about $61, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It’s entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.
Why are groceries so expensive in Ketchikan, AK?
A single person’s grocery bill in Ketchikan, AK runs about $391 monthly, which is above average. Everything from dairy and meat to fresh produce costs more here, reflecting the city’s overall high price level.
Does $3,000 cover living expenses in Ketchikan, AK?
Yes, but with a modest margin: monthly costs with rent average $2,934 in Ketchikan, AK, so $3,000 handles the essentials and some extras. Pricier neighborhoods or frequent dining out would quickly use up the difference.
What is life like for foreigners living in Ketchikan, AK?
Expats in Ketchikan, AK enjoy fast internet, clean air, coastal lifestyle, and monthly costs average around $2,934. The international crowd is active and welcoming, and practical stuff – bank accounts, apartment hunting, healthcare – is all manageable with some basic prep.
Ketchikan, AK vs other spots: cost of living compared