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

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Ontario

California
152

Anchorage is 26% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,453/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 32%
$98,152/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↓ 16%
$375,900 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 51%
$1,698/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 16%
289,069
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $463/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $5,556/year.

Median household income is $15,346/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Ontario — common questions

Is Anchorage or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Ontario?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $463/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Ontario?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $15,346/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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Ontario

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa