Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Anchorage is 12% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,453/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 12%
$98,152/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 8%
$375,900 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 25%
$1,698/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ≈ Same
289,069
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $179/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $2,148/year.

Median household income is $8,114/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Charleston — common questions

Is Anchorage or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Charleston?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $179/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Charleston?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $8,114/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and South Carolina?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Charleston

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