Ketchikan, AK vs Wasilla, AK

Wasilla is moderately more affordable than Ketchikan, with a 7.3% lower cost of living index. Ketchikan scores 105 compared to 98 for Wasilla, 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 $1,104/month in Wasilla — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wasilla is more affordable at $325,000 median vs $340,300.

Median household income in Ketchikan is $76,835 compared to $70,756 in Wasilla (+8.6%). 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 Ketchikan spend roughly 20.6% of their income on rent, more than the 18.7% in Wasilla.

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