Cost of living in Ketchikan
Ketchikan, located in the southeastern part of Alaska, is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Understanding the cost of living in Ketchikan is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this unique city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $40 on average.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $90.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $18.5.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $8.5, imported beer $6.5, cappuccino $5.5, and Coke/Pepsi $3.29.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced at $1.32 per liter.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $5.51.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3 to $3.75, averaging $3.38.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples) - Apples cost $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Lettuce) - Lettuce costs $3 per head.
- Meat and Poultry (e.g., Chicken Fillets, Beef Round) - Chicken fillets are priced at $17.64 per kg, and beef round costs $30.86 per kg.
- Rice - Rice is priced at $6.61 per kg.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $2.
- Monthly Pass - A monthly pass for public transport is priced at $25.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.96 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $1.1.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1400 to $1850, averaging $1625.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1500 to $1700, averaging $1600.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2400 to $2500, averaging $2450.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2300 to $2600, averaging $2450.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is $2734.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter is $2734.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $250.
- Internet - Internet services cost $150.
- Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs $100.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
"Key Takeaways"
Ketchikan presents a relatively high cost of living, particularly in dining and housing. Dining out can be expensive, with even casual meals costing significantly more than in many other locations.
Housing costs are substantial, with both renting and buying property in the city centre and outside being quite costly.
Transportation costs are relatively low, with affordable public transport options and reasonable fuel prices.
Utilities and internet services are on the higher side, reflecting the remote location and logistical challenges of the area.
Conclusion
Living in Ketchikan, AK, offers a unique experience with its beautiful landscapes and cultural richness. However, potential residents should be prepared for a higher cost of living, especially in terms of dining and housing.
While transportation remains affordable, other expenses such as utilities and groceries can add up. Careful budgeting and planning are essential for those considering making Ketchikan their home.
Nearby Cities
All cities in Alaska