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

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Downey

California
169

Anchorage is 33% cheaper than Downey.

$1,453/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 30%
$98,152/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 11%
$375,900 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 94%
$1,698/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 18%
289,069
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $439/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $5,268/year.

Median household income is $10,752/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Downey — common questions

Is Anchorage or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Downey?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $439/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Downey?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $10,752/year higher in Anchorage.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Downey details →

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