Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Anchorage is 85% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,453/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 35%
$98,152/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 33%
$375,900 ↑ 142%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 59%
$1,698/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 43%
289,069
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.04%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $508/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $6,096/year.

Median household income is $32,615/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Springfield — common questions

Is Anchorage or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Springfield?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $508/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Springfield?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $32,615/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Illinois?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Springfield

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces