Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Spokane, WA (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Anchorage is 26% more expensive than Spokane.

$1,453/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 21%
$98,152/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↓ 33%
$375,900 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$326,200 ↓ 13%
$1,698/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 29%
289,069
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $312/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $3,744/year.

Median household income is $32,407/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Spokane — common questions

Is Anchorage or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Spokane?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $312/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Spokane?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $32,407/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Washington?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Spokane has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,141/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Spokane details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Spokane

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Spokane vs. Enterprise Spokane vs. Santa Clarita Spokane vs. Norfolk Spokane vs. Fremont Spokane vs. Arlington Spokane vs. Richmond