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

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Anchorage is 10% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,453/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 10%
$98,152/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↓ 15%
$375,900 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 21%
$1,698/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 3%
289,069
Population
220,482

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
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $144/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $1,728/year.

Median household income is $14,295/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Anchorage or Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $144/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Tacoma?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $14,295/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 Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Tacoma details →

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