Cost of Living in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK

How far does a $70,000 salary go in Ketchikan Gateway Borough? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $7,241 per year — Alaska levies no state income tax, so that figure covers federal tax only. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,625/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the Ketchikan Gateway Borough metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $43,259, or roughly $3,605 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.

At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in Ketchikan Gateway Borough represents approximately 28% of gross income. That approaches the 30% threshold commonly used to define affordability. A smaller unit or a higher salary would improve the picture. Alaska's zero income tax helps offset the rent burden compared to otherwise similar cities that also levy state income tax.