Ketchikan, AK vs Seward, AK

Seward is moderately more affordable than Ketchikan, with a 11.1% lower cost of living index. Ketchikan scores 105 compared to 94 for Seward, 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 Ketchikan is $1,319/month compared to $1,109/month in Seward — a 19% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Seward is more affordable at $290,300 median vs $340,300.

Median household income in Ketchikan is $76,835 compared to $71,016 in Seward (+8.2%). The higher salaries in Ketchikan partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Ketchikan spend roughly 20.6% of their income on rent, more than the 18.7% in Seward.

Climate-wise, Ketchikan is notably warmer with an average of 46°F compared to 40.4°F in Seward. Ketchikan receives more rainfall at 149.5" per year compared to 69.7" in Seward.