Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Anchorage is 82% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,453/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 28%
$98,152/yr ↑ 121%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 55%
$375,900 ↑ 171%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 63%
$1,698/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 42%
289,069
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $406/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $4,872/year.

Median household income is $53,776/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Anchorage or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Birmingham?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $406/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Birmingham?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $53,776/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Alabama?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Birmingham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Birmingham

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery