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

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Anchorage is 44% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,453/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 57%
$98,152/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 43%
$375,900 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 130%
$1,698/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 42%
289,069
Population
235,463

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
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $822/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $9,864/year.

Median household income is $42,008/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Arlington — common questions

Is Anchorage or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Arlington?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $822/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Arlington?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $42,008/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Arlington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Arlington

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane