Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Anchorage, AK (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Anchorage

Alaska
113

Denver is 30% more expensive than Anchorage.

$1,770/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↓ 18%
$91,681/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$98,152/yr ↑ 7%
$586,700 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$375,900 ↓ 36%
$1,839/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,698/mo ↓ 8%
713,734
Population
289,069

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.04%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Anchorage, AK, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $317/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $3,804/year.

Median household income is $6,471/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $375,900 in Anchorage.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Anchorage — common questions

Is Denver or Anchorage cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Anchorage?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Anchorage it's $1,453/month — a difference of $317/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Anchorage?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $98,152 in Anchorage. Median household income is $6,471/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Alaska?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Anchorage?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Anchorage details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Anchorage

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