Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Anchorage is 18% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,453/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 14%
$98,152/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↓ 15%
$375,900 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 46%
$1,698/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ≈ Same
289,069
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $208/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $2,496/year.

Median household income is $14,554/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Anchorage or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $208/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $14,554/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Colorado?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Fort Collins

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas