Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Anchorage and Elizabeth have a similar cost of living.

$1,453/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ≈ Same
$98,152/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 35%
$375,900 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 5%
$1,698/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 9%
289,069
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.04%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $34,278/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Anchorage or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $10/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $34,278/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and New Jersey?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Elizabeth

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland