Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Kent, WA (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Anchorage is 22% cheaper than Kent.

$1,453/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 26%
$98,152/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 8%
$375,900 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 43%
$1,698/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 13%
289,069
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $380/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $4,560/year.

Median household income is $7,736/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Kent — common questions

Is Anchorage or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Kent?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $380/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Kent?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $7,736/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Washington?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Kent

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights