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

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Anchorage is 34% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,453/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 43%
$98,152/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$97,410/yr ≈ Same
$375,900 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 82%
$1,698/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 25%
289,069
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $631/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $7,572/year.

Median household income is $742/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa — common questions

Is Anchorage or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $631/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $742/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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Santa Rosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Santa Rosa

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