Ketchikan, AK vs Unalaska, AK

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ketchikan is 22.7% cheaper than Unalaska. With a cost index of 105 vs 135, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Ketchikan to Unalaska should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ketchikan is $1,319/month compared to $2,040/month in Unalaska — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ketchikan is more affordable at $340,300 median vs $448,700.

Median household income in Ketchikan is $76,835 compared to $114,286 in Unalaska (-32.8%). While Unalaska is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Ketchikan spend roughly 20.6% of their income on rent, less than the 21.4% in Unalaska.

Climate-wise, Ketchikan is notably warmer with an average of 46°F compared to 39.3°F in Unalaska. Ketchikan receives more rainfall at 149.5" per year compared to 42.7" in Unalaska.