Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Anchorage is 35% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,453/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 40%
$98,152/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 16%
$375,900 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 85%
$1,698/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 28%
289,069
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $578/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $6,936/year.

Median household income is $15,486/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Anchorage or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Alexandria?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $578/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Alexandria?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $15,486/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Virginia?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Alexandria

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen