Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Anchorage is 19% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,453/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 23%
$98,152/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 44%
$375,900 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 28%
$1,698/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 18%
289,069
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.04%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $339/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $4,068/year.

Median household income is $43,201/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Anchorage or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $339/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $43,201/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Texas?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and The Woodlands

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