Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Chandler, AZ (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Chandler

Arizona
134

Anchorage is 16% cheaper than Chandler.

$1,453/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,806/mo ↑ 24%
$98,152/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$103,691/yr ↑ 6%
$375,900 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$469,800 ↑ 25%
$1,698/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,743/mo ↑ 3%
289,069
Population
278,123

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Chandler, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $353/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $4,236/year.

Median household income is $5,539/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $469,800 in Chandler.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Chandler — common questions

Is Anchorage or Chandler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Chandler?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Chandler it's $1,806/month — a difference of $353/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Chandler?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $103,691 in Chandler. Median household income is $5,539/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Arizona?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Chandler?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Chandler has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,806/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Chandler details →

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