Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Salem, OR (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Anchorage is 8% more expensive than Salem.

$1,453/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 9%
$98,152/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 27%
$375,900 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 2%
$1,698/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 15%
289,069
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.9%
0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $130/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $1,560/year.

Median household income is $26,252/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Salem — common questions

Is Anchorage or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Salem?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $130/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Salem?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $26,252/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Oregon?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Salem details →

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