Ketchikan, AK vs South Lakes, AK

Ketchikan, AK and South Lakes, AK have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.9% difference in their overall index. Ketchikan scores 105 while South Lakes scores 104 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ketchikan is $1,319/month compared to $1,191/month in South Lakes — a 11% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while South Lakes has cheaper rent, Ketchikan actually has lower median home values ($340,300 vs $367,700).

Median household income in Ketchikan is $76,835 compared to $89,632 in South Lakes (-14.3%). South Lakes offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Ketchikan spend roughly 20.6% of their income on rent, more than the 15.9% in South Lakes.

Climate-wise, Ketchikan is notably warmer with an average of 46°F compared to 37.1°F in South Lakes. Ketchikan receives more rainfall at 149.5" per year compared to 12.6" in South Lakes.