Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Anchorage is 32% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,453/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 31%
$98,152/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 9%
$375,900 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 89%
$1,698/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 7%
289,069
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $457/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $5,484/year.

Median household income is $9,220/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Anchorage or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $457/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $9,220/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Arizona?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Scottsdale

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