Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Anchorage is 59% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,453/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 29%
$98,152/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 41%
$375,900 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 45%
$1,698/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 39%
289,069
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $420/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $5,040/year.

Median household income is $40,479/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Anchorage or Winston-Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $420/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $40,479/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and North Carolina?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,033/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Winston-Salem details →

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