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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $1.6K/month more in Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $169.4K in Washington, DC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 21.6%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,620
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$19.4K
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

Washington, DC

Population:690K
Cost Index:
122
(22% above avg)
Median Home:$556K

Anchorage, AK

The Last Frontier

292K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

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

๐Ÿ’ก Advantage: Alaska has no state income tax!

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • โ€ขNations capital
  • โ€ขNo voting representation in Congress
  • โ€ขMajor international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Anchorage, AK vs Washington, DC

Housing
โ†‘ 102.5%
Anchorage, AK
$3,066
Washington, DC
$6,211
Difference
$3,144
more
Transportation
โ†‘ 30.2%
Anchorage, AK
$1,448
Washington, DC
$1,885
Difference
$437
more
All Utilities
โ†“ 38.4%
Anchorage, AK
$825
Washington, DC
$508
Difference
$317
less
Healthcare
โ†“ 29.2%
Anchorage, AK
$892
Washington, DC
$632
Difference
$260
less
Groceries
โ†“ 18.8%
Anchorage, AK
$1,329
Washington, DC
$1,079
Difference
$250
less
Other
โ†“ 1.8%
Anchorage, AK
$1,858
Washington, DC
$1,825
Difference
$33.48
less

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,230
To$2,150
โ†‘ $920
1 Bed
From$1,325
To$2,215
โ†‘ $890
2 Bed
From$1,720
To$2,470
โ†‘ $750
3 Bed
From$2,340
To$3,115
โ†‘ $775
Anchorage, AKZIP-level data

1BR range: $890โ€“$1,570/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340โ€“$3,020/mo

๐Ÿ’ก 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
$12,140
Monthly in Washington, DC
$2,721
Difference

Home Values

Anchorage
Washington
$365K
Median Value
$556K
โ†‘ +3.9%
YoY Change
โ†“ -2.2%
โ†‘ +20.9%
5-Year Change
โ†“ -5.6%
$316K - $658K
Price Range
$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 52% more expensive than Anchorage

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†“ $11.2K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$929
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
7.4%
Rate difference

Anchorage, AK

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Alaska State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
District of Columbia State Tax
Effective: 7.4%
$11.2K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 32.1%
$48.2K
Take-Home Pay
$8,486/month
$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

Anchorage, AK Tax Rates

Sales Tax:1.8%
Property Tax:0.9%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%
Property Tax:0.6%

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

Environment

Anchorage
Washington
24 Good
Air Quality
45 Good
81.1%
Good Air Days
63.7%
97 High
Climate Risk
98 High
๐Ÿซจ
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒ€๐ŸŒก
N/A
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.9ยฐF
-
Heat Days >95ยฐF
27 days
N/A
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.9ยฐF
-
Heat Days >95ยฐF
27 days

๐Ÿ’ฐ See how taxes change too โ€” compare take-home pay between Alaska and Washington DC on TaxTakeHome.com

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