Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Independence, MO (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Anchorage is 69% more expensive than Independence.

$1,453/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 27%
$98,152/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 39%
$375,900 ↑ 126%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 56%
$1,698/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 38%
289,069
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $392/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $4,704/year.

Median household income is $38,672/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Independence — common questions

Is Anchorage or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Independence?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $392/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Independence?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $38,672/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Missouri?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

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Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor