Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Anchorage, AK (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Anchorage

Alaska
113

Mesa is 5% cheaper than Anchorage.

$1,478/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↓ 2%
$78,779/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$98,152/yr ↑ 25%
$364,300 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$375,900 ↑ 3%
$1,404/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,698/mo ↑ 21%
507,478
Population
289,069

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.04%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Anchorage, AK, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $19,373/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $375,900 in Anchorage.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Anchorage — common questions

Is Mesa or Anchorage cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Anchorage?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Anchorage it's $1,453/month — a difference of $25/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Anchorage?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $98,152 in Anchorage. Median household income is $19,373/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Alaska?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Anchorage?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Anchorage details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Anchorage

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler