Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Anchorage is 8% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,453/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 6%
$98,152/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 34%
$375,900 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 13%
$1,698/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 17%
289,069
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $86/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $1,032/year.

Median household income is $33,712/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Anchorage or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Clearwater?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $86/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Clearwater?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $33,712/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Florida?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Clearwater

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville