Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Anchorage, AK?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 17.4% cheaper than Anchorage, AK. This translates to saving $1308 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Anchorage, AK?

If you earn $150,000 in Anchorage, AK, you'd need approximately $134,304 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Anchorage, AK and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 9.1% cheaper than in Anchorage, AK. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,720/month in Anchorage, AK.

How much can I save per month by moving from Anchorage, AK to Phoenix, AZ?

Moving from Anchorage, AK to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $1308 per month, or $15696 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Anchorage, AK vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Anchorage, AK

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.3K/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $134.3K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 17.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,308

Savings

Annual Impact

$15.7K

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:83

Median Home:$414K

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!

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Anchorage, AK vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Anchorage, AK	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🛒Groceries	$1,329/mo	$963/mo	↓ $366less	27.5%
🏥Healthcare	$892/mo	$589/mo	↓ $304less	34.0%
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $278less	9.1%
⚡All Utilities	$825/mo	$561/mo	↓ $264less	32.0%
📦Other	$1,858/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $181less	9.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,448/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $40.98more	2.8%

🛒Groceries

↓ 27.5%

Anchorage, AK

$1,329

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$366

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 34.0%

Anchorage, AK

$892

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$304

less

🏠Housing

↓ 9.1%

Anchorage, AK

$3,066

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$278

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 32.0%

Anchorage, AK

$825

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$264

less

📦Other

↓ 9.7%

Anchorage, AK

$1,858

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$181

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 2.8%

Anchorage, AK

$1,448

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$40.98

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,230

To$1,390

↑ $160

1 Bed

From$1,325

To$1,510

↑ $185

2 Bed

From$1,720

To$1,750

↑ $30.00

3 Bed

From$2,340

To$2,330

↓ $10.00

Anchorage, AKZIP-level data

1BR range: $890–$1,570/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$1,351

Difference

Home Values

Anchorage

Phoenix

$365K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +20.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$316K - $658K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 13% more expensive than Anchorage

Calculate payment - Anchorage Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $5.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$436

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Anchorage, AK Tax Rates

Sales Tax:1.8%

Property Tax:0.9%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.