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

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Anchorage is 32% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,453/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 51%
$98,152/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 4%
$375,900 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 58%
$1,698/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 31%
289,069
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $738/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $8,856/year.

Median household income is $4,169/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Anchorage or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Fairfield?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $738/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Fairfield?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $4,169/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Fairfield

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