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

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Anchorage is 18% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,453/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 27%
$98,152/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 14%
$375,900 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 27%
$1,698/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 5%
289,069
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $389/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $4,668/year.

Median household income is $13,535/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Anchorage or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $389/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $13,535/year higher in Anchorage.
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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Santa Maria

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton