Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Glendale, AZ (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Glendale

Arizona
102

Anchorage is 11% more expensive than Glendale.

$1,453/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↓ 4%
$98,152/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$70,139/yr ↓ 29%
$375,900 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$347,000 ↓ 8%
$1,698/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,356/mo ↓ 20%
289,069
Population
250,193

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Glendale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $56/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $672/year.

Median household income is $28,013/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $347,000 in Glendale.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Glendale — common questions

Is Anchorage or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Glendale?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Glendale it's $1,397/month — a difference of $56/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Glendale?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $70,139 in Glendale. Median household income is $28,013/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Arizona?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Glendale details →

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