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

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Anchorage is 13% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,453/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 32%
$98,152/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 5%
$375,900 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 5%
$1,698/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 7%
289,069
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $464/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $5,568/year.

Median household income is $4,781/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Surprise — common questions

Is Anchorage or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Surprise?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $464/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Surprise?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $4,781/year higher in Anchorage.
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 Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Surprise details →