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

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Anchorage is 42% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,453/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 46%
$98,152/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 6%
$375,900 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 129%
$1,698/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 33%
289,069
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $671/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $8,052/year.

Median household income is $6,067/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Anchorage or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Fullerton?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $671/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Fullerton?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $6,067/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Fullerton

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren