Cost of Living in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska

$1,388/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$379,000

Median Home Value

14% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,388/mo

14% above state average

Median Home Value

$379,000

34% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

29.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Ketchikan Gateway Borough Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Ketchikan Gateway Borough$1,388/mo

Alaska Average$1,221/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,388/mo

Median Gross Rent

$379,000

Median Home Value

$1,501/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

29.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska

Ketchikan's strong income softens housing costs

With a 18.7% rent-to-income ratio, Ketchikan mirrors Alaska's state average despite a robust median household income of $89,155—well above the nation's $74,755. The $1,388 monthly rent reflects Southeast Alaska pricing, but high local wages keep the overall burden reasonable for renters.

Strong wages, near-average affordability ratio

Ketchikan's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio essentially matches Alaska's 18.6% state average, despite housing costs that appear high in absolute terms. The borough's $89,155 median income—among the state's strongest—is the key factor keeping affordability competitive.

Southeast's income leader, moderate costs

Ketchikan's $1,388 rent ranks high for Alaska, but the borough's $89,155 median income is the strongest in Southeast, beating Haines ($72,607) and Juneau's lead ($100,513). Among gateway communities, Ketchikan balances expensive housing with above-average earning potential.

Renters spend 18.7%, owners face $1,501/month

Ketchikan renters allocate 18.7% of their $89,155 income to the $1,388 median rent, a manageable ratio buoyed by above-average wages. Homeowners bear a steeper burden at $1,501 monthly, but the strong income base provides capacity for ownership.

Ketchikan rewards job seekers with earning power

Relocate to Ketchikan if you can secure above-average wages; the $89,155 median income makes the 18.7% rent burden genuinely affordable. Compare this earning power against lower-income Haines ($72,607) to see whether Ketchikan's wage premium justifies its $1,388 monthly rent.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Ketchikan Gateway Borough

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

18.7%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$2,080

per month

Owner Cost Burden

20.2%

of gross income

The median home in Ketchikan Gateway Borough may be a stretch

Median home value is $379,000. Estimated monthly cost: $3,026 vs. your max of $2,080.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio18.7%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska?

Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska has a median monthly rent of $1,388/mo and a median home value of $379,000. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 29.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Ketchikan Gateway Borough?

The median gross rent in Ketchikan Gateway Borough is $1,388/mo. This is 14% above state average for Alaska.

Is Ketchikan Gateway Borough affordable?

Ketchikan Gateway Borough is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 29.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Ketchikan Gateway Borough's rent compare to the state average?

Ketchikan Gateway Borough's median rent of $1,388/mo is 14% above state average of $1,221/mo for Alaska.

What is the median home value in Ketchikan Gateway Borough?

The median home value in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska is $379,000. This is 34% above the national median home value of $281,900.