Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Anchorage is 55% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,453/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 72%
$98,152/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 64%
$375,900 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 220%
$1,698/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 52%
289,069
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,052/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $12,624/year.

Median household income is $63,148/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Anchorage or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Bellevue?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,052/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Bellevue?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $63,148/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Washington?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Bellevue

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet