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

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Anchorage is 49% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,453/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 53%
$98,152/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 6%
$375,900 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 178%
$1,698/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 38%
289,069
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $765/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $9,180/year.

Median household income is $5,626/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Anchorage or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Pasadena?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $765/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Pasadena?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $5,626/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Pasadena details →

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