Cost of Living: Long Beach, CA vs Anchorage, AK (2026)

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Anchorage

Alaska
113

Long Beach is 50% more expensive than Anchorage.

$1,803/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↓ 19%
$83,969/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$98,152/yr ↑ 17%
$762,200 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$375,900 ↓ 51%
$1,890/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,698/mo ↓ 10%
458,491
Population
289,069

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.04%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Anchorage, AK, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $350/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $4,200/year.

Median household income is $14,183/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $375,900 in Anchorage.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Anchorage — common questions

Is Long Beach or Anchorage cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Anchorage?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Anchorage it's $1,453/month — a difference of $350/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Anchorage?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $98,152 in Anchorage. Median household income is $14,183/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between California and Alaska?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax.
Should I move to Long Beach or Anchorage?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Anchorage details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Long Beach and Anchorage

Long Beach vs. Raleigh Long Beach vs. Virginia Beach Long Beach vs. Colorado Springs Long Beach vs. Miami Long Beach vs. Omaha Long Beach vs. Oakland Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler