Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Durham, NC (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Anchorage is 8% more expensive than Durham.

$1,453/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 3%
$98,152/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↓ 19%
$375,900 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 5%
$1,698/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 16%
289,069
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
0%
Sales Tax
4.75%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $18,918/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Durham — common questions

Is Anchorage or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Durham?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $41/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Durham?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $18,918/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and North Carolina?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Durham details →