Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs College Station, TX (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Anchorage is 24% more expensive than College Station.

$1,453/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 20%
$98,152/yr ↑ 90%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 47%
$375,900 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 13%
$1,698/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 26%
289,069
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.04%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $285/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $3,420/year.

Median household income is $46,376/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs College Station — common questions

Is Anchorage or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and College Station?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $285/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or College Station?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $46,376/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Texas?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and College Station

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