Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Anchorage is 50% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,453/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 65%
$98,152/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 12%
$375,900 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 181%
$1,698/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 45%
289,069
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $942/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $11,304/year.

Median household income is $11,921/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Anchorage or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $942/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $11,921/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and California?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Costa Mesa

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria