Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Anchorage is 20% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,453/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 20%
$98,152/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 13%
$375,900 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 46%
$1,698/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 2%
289,069
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $293/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $3,516/year.

Median household income is $12,363/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Anchorage or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Lakewood?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $293/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Lakewood?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $12,363/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Colorado?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Lakewood

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield