Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Plano, TX (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Anchorage is 14% cheaper than Plano.

$1,453/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 23%
$98,152/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 11%
$375,900 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$440,600 ↑ 17%
$1,698/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↑ 8%
289,069
Population
287,339

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.04%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $339/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $4,068/year.

Median household income is $10,497/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Plano — common questions

Is Anchorage or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Plano?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $339/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Plano?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $10,497/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Texas?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Plano has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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