Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Ketchikan and Kodiak, Alaska. Using Alaska's 1.19% property tax rate and $1,400/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Ketchikan edges out Kodiak in affordability, saving you roughly $71/month on total housing costs. Both cities are in Alaska, so property tax rates and insurance costs are the same — the difference comes down to home prices and what you get for your money in each market.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Alaska's 1.19% property tax rate.
Buying in Ketchikan saves you approximately $71/month ($852/year) compared to Kodiak, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Ketchikan is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $355K versus $365K in Kodiak. That's $10K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $12K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Ketchikan, compared to $13K in Kodiak. Alaska offers the AHFC First-Time Homebuyer program (Tax-exempt mortgage bonds) which applies in both cities.
Kodiak has the better price-to-rent ratio at 21.7x versus 21.9x in Ketchikan. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Kodiak is $1,400/month on a $365K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Ketchikan (pop. 8,192) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Kodiak (pop. 5,983) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Ketchikan offers both more options and lower housing costs, making it attractive for families who want urban amenities without a premium price.