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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Anchorage

Alaska
113

Boston is 56% more expensive than Anchorage.

$2,093/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↓ 31%
$94,755/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$98,152/yr ↑ 4%
$710,400 ↑ 89%
Home Value
$375,900 ↓ 47%
$2,176/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,698/mo ↓ 22%
663,972
Population
289,069

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Anchorage, AK, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $640/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $7,680/year.

Median household income is $3,397/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $375,900 in Anchorage.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Anchorage — common questions

Is Boston or Anchorage cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Anchorage?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Anchorage it's $1,453/month — a difference of $640/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Anchorage?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $98,152 in Anchorage. Median household income is $3,397/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Alaska?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Anchorage?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
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