Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Providence, RI (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Anchorage is 14% more expensive than Providence.

$1,453/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 8%
$98,152/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 32%
$375,900 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 14%
$1,698/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 14%
289,069
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.99%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.04%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $120/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $1,440/year.

Median household income is $31,380/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Rhode Island's 5.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Providence — common questions

Is Anchorage or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Providence?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $120/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Providence?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $31,380/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Rhode Island?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Providence details →

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