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

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Anchorage is 57% more expensive than Waco.

$1,453/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 24%
$98,152/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 48%
$375,900 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 47%
$1,698/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 36%
289,069
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $355/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $4,260/year.

Median household income is $46,684/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Waco — common questions

Is Anchorage or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Waco?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $355/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Waco?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $46,684/year higher in Anchorage.
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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Waco

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