Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Anchorage is 38% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,453/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 11%
$98,152/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 38%
$375,900 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 39%
$1,698/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 32%
289,069
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $154/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $1,848/year.

Median household income is $37,205/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Anchorage or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Lakeland?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $154/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Lakeland?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $37,205/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Florida?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Lakeland

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