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

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Fontana

California
146

Anchorage is 23% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,453/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 19%
$98,152/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$98,187/yr ≈ Same
$375,900 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 49%
$1,698/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 17%
289,069
Population
211,921

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $280/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $3,360/year.

Median household income is $35/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Fontana — common questions

Is Anchorage or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Fontana?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $280/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Fontana?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $35/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Fontana details →

More Comparisons

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