Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Anchorage is 40% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,453/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 21%
$98,152/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 38%
$375,900 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 31%
$1,698/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 35%
289,069
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $298/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $3,576/year.

Median household income is $37,124/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Anchorage or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $298/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $37,124/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Tennessee?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Chattanooga details →

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