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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Anchorage

Alaska
113

Austin is 19% more expensive than Anchorage.

$1,655/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↓ 12%
$91,461/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$98,152/yr ↑ 7%
$512,700 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$375,900 ↓ 27%
$1,747/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,698/mo ↓ 3%
967,862
Population
289,069

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Anchorage, AK, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $202/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $2,424/year.

Median household income is $6,691/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $375,900 in Anchorage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Anchorage — common questions

Is Austin or Anchorage cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Anchorage?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Anchorage it's $1,453/month — a difference of $202/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Anchorage?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $98,152 in Anchorage. Median household income is $6,691/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Alaska?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Anchorage?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Anchorage details →

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