Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Anchorage, AK?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 28.0% cheaper than Anchorage, AK. This translates to saving $2100 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Anchorage, AK?

If you earn $150,000 in Anchorage, AK, you'd need approximately $124,800 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Anchorage, AK and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 33.1% cheaper than in Anchorage, AK. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,720/month in Anchorage, AK.

How much can I save per month by moving from Anchorage, AK to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Anchorage, AK to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $2100 per month, or $25200 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Anchorage, AK vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Anchorage, AK

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.8K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 28.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,100

Savings

Annual Impact

$25.2K

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

Median Home:$365K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:72

Median Home:$263K

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!

Columbus, OH

The Buckeye State

906K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 906K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Anchorage, AK vs Columbus, OH

Category	Anchorage, AK	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $1,014less	33.1%
⚡All Utilities	$825/mo	$464/mo	↓ $361less	43.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,329/mo	$969/mo	↓ $360less	27.1%
📦Other	$1,858/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $301less	16.2%
🏥Healthcare	$892/mo	$607/mo	↓ $285less	31.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,448/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $81.96less	5.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 33.1%

Anchorage, AK

$3,066

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$1,014

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 43.7%

Anchorage, AK

$825

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$361

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 27.1%

Anchorage, AK

$1,329

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$360

less

📦Other

↓ 16.2%

Anchorage, AK

$1,858

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$301

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 31.9%

Anchorage, AK

$892

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$285

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.7%

Anchorage, AK

$1,448

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$81.96

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Columbus, OH: Columbus Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

Anchorage, AK has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,230

To$1,020

↓ $210

1 Bed

From$1,325

To$1,100

↓ $225

2 Bed

From$1,720

To$1,315

↓ $405

3 Bed

From$2,340

To$1,575

↓ $765

Anchorage, AKZIP-level data

1BR range: $890–$1,570/mo

Columbus, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,790/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

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$2,402

Difference

Home Values

Anchorage

Columbus

$365K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +20.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$316K - $658K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 28% less expensive than Anchorage

Calculate payment - Anchorage Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$369

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.0%

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

Columbus, OH

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Ohio State Tax

Effective: 3.0%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.6%

$41.4K

Take-Home Pay

$9,047/month

$108.6K

Additional Tax Information

Anchorage, AK Tax Rates

Sales Tax:1.8%

Property Tax:0.9%

Columbus, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:1.6%

💡 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.