Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Anchorage is 14% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,453/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 18%
$98,152/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$98,686/yr ≈ Same
$375,900 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 29%
$1,698/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 5%
289,069
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $261/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $3,132/year.

Median household income is $534/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Meridian — common questions

Is Anchorage or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Meridian?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $261/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Meridian?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $534/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Idaho?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

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