Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Anchorage is 9% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,453/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 3%
$98,152/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 31%
$375,900 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 10%
$1,698/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 10%
289,069
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.04%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $30,608/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Worcester — common questions

Is Anchorage or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Worcester?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $38/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Worcester?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $30,608/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Massachusetts?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Worcester details →

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