Is Denver, CO cheaper than Anchorage, AK?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 12.0% cheaper than Anchorage, AK. This translates to saving $900 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Anchorage, AK?

If you earn $150,000 in Anchorage, AK, you'd need approximately $139,200 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Anchorage, AK and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 5.9% more expensive than in Anchorage, AK. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,720/month in Anchorage, AK.

How much can I save per month by moving from Anchorage, AK to Denver, CO?

Moving from Anchorage, AK to Denver, CO could save you approximately $900 per month, or $10800 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Anchorage, AK vs Denver, CO: 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 $900/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.2K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 12.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$900

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.8K

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:88

Median Home:$513K

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!

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Anchorage, AK vs Denver, CO

Category	Anchorage, AK	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
⚡All Utilities	$825/mo	$519/mo	↓ $306less	37.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,329/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $300less	22.6%
🏥Healthcare	$892/mo	$632/mo	↓ $260less	29.2%
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $182more	5.9%
📦Other	$1,858/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $83.70less	4.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,448/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $13.66more	0.9%

⚡All Utilities

↓ 37.1%

Anchorage, AK

$825

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$306

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 22.6%

Anchorage, AK

$1,329

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$300

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 29.2%

Anchorage, AK

$892

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$260

less

🏠Housing

↑ 5.9%

Anchorage, AK

$3,066

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$182

📦Other

↓ 4.5%

Anchorage, AK

$1,858

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$83.70

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 0.9%

Anchorage, AK

$1,448

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$13.66

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

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$1,720

↑ $490

1 Bed

From$1,325

To$1,840

↑ $515

2 Bed

From$1,720

To$2,190

↑ $470

3 Bed

From$2,340

To$2,870

↑ $530

Anchorage, AKZIP-level data

1BR range: $890–$1,570/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$754

Difference

Home Values

Anchorage

Denver

$365K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +20.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$316K - $658K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 40% more expensive than Anchorage

Calculate payment - Anchorage Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $6.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$550

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.4%

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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Anchorage, AK Tax Rates

Sales Tax:1.8%

Property Tax:0.9%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.