Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Madison, WI (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Anchorage is 10% more expensive than Madison.

$1,453/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 6%
$98,152/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 22%
$375,900 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 8%
$1,698/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 13%
289,069
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
7.65%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.04%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $89/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $1,068/year.

Median household income is $21,169/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Madison — common questions

Is Anchorage or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Madison?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $89/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Madison?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $21,169/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Wisconsin?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Madison has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Madison details →

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