Ester, AK vs Ketchikan, AK

Ester is moderately more affordable than Ketchikan, with a 11.4% lower cost of living index. Ester scores 93 compared to 105 for Ketchikan, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Ketchikan can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Ester is $1,232/month compared to $1,319/month in Ketchikan — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ester is more affordable at $242,000 median vs $340,300.

Median household income in Ester is $67,640 compared to $76,835 in Ketchikan (-12%). While Ketchikan is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Ester spend roughly 21.9% of their income on rent, more than the 20.6% in Ketchikan.

Climate-wise, Ketchikan is notably warmer with an average of 46°F compared to 28.3°F in Ester. Ketchikan receives more rainfall at 149.5" per year compared to 11.7" in Ester.