Is Boston, MA cheaper than Anchorage, AK?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 19.2% more expensive than Anchorage, AK. This translates to spending an extra $1440 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in Anchorage, AK?

If you earn $150,000 in Anchorage, AK, you'd need approximately $167,280 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Anchorage, AK and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 72.0% more expensive than in Anchorage, AK. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,720/month in Anchorage, AK.

How much can I save per month by moving from Anchorage, AK to Boston, MA?

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $1440 more per month than Anchorage, AK, or $17280 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Anchorage, AK vs Boston, MA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Anchorage, AK

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.4K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $167.3K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 19.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,440

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$17.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Anchorage, AK

Population:292K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$365K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

119

(19% above avg)

Median Home:$961K

Anchorage, AK

The Last Frontier

292K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Alaska, this city has a population of 292K residents.

💡 Advantage: Alaska has no state income tax!

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Anchorage, AK vs Boston, MA

Category	Anchorage, AK	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,066/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $2,209more	72.0%
Transportation	$1,448/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $382more	26.4%
Groceries	$1,329/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $250less	18.8%
Healthcare	$892/mo	$743/mo	↓ $149less	16.7%
All Utilities	$825/mo	$716/mo	↓ $109less	13.2%
Other	$1,858/mo	$1,825/mo	↓ $33.48less	1.8%

Housing

↑ 72.0%

Anchorage, AK

$3,066

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$2,209

Transportation

↑ 26.4%

Anchorage, AK

$1,448

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$382

Groceries

↓ 18.8%

Anchorage, AK

$1,329

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$250

less

Healthcare

↓ 16.7%

Anchorage, AK

$892

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$149

less

All Utilities

↓ 13.2%

Anchorage, AK

$825

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$109

less

Other

↓ 1.8%

Anchorage, AK

$1,858

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$33.48

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,230

To$3,095

↑ $1,865

1 Bed

From$1,325

To$3,255

↑ $1,930

2 Bed

From$1,720

To$3,865

↑ $2,145

3 Bed

From$2,340

To$4,630

↑ $2,290

Anchorage, AKZIP-level data

1BR range: $890–$1,570/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$9,419

Monthly in Anchorage, AK

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$2,050

Difference

Home Values

Anchorage

Boston

$365K

Median Value

$961K

↑ +3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +20.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$316K - $658K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 163% more expensive than Anchorage

Calculate payment - Anchorage Calculate payment - Boston

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$625

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

Anchorage, AK

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Alaska State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Anchorage, AK Tax Rates

Sales Tax:1.8%

Property Tax:0.9%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.