Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Modesto

California
120

Anchorage is 6% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,453/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 11%
$98,152/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 21%
$375,900 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 11%
$1,698/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 5%
289,069
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $156/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $1,872/year.

Median household income is $20,253/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Modesto — common questions

Is Anchorage or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Modesto?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $156/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Modesto?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $20,253/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and California?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Modesto

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley