Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Provo, UT (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Anchorage is 11% more expensive than Provo.

$1,453/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 21%
$98,152/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 36%
$375,900 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 16%
$1,698/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 28%
289,069
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.65%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $301/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $3,612/year.

Median household income is $35,352/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Provo — common questions

Is Anchorage or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Provo?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $301/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Provo?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $35,352/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Utah?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Provo details →

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