Is Anchorage, AK cheaper than Portland, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Anchorage, AK is 3.8% cheaper than Portland, OR. This translates to saving $288 per month.

What salary do I need in Anchorage, AK to live like I do in Portland, OR?

If you earn $150,000 in Portland, OR, you'd need approximately $146,538.462 in Anchorage, AK to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Portland, OR and Anchorage, AK?

Housing in Anchorage, AK is 34.8% cheaper than in Portland, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,720/month in Anchorage, AK compared to $1,900/month in Portland, OR.

How much can I save per month by moving from Portland, OR to Anchorage, AK?

Moving from Portland, OR to Anchorage, AK could save you approximately $288 per month, or $3462 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Portland, OR vs Anchorage, AK: 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 Portland, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $288/month moving to Anchorage, AK

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.5K in Anchorage, AK

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 3.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$288

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.5K

Per year

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

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$535K

Anchorage, AK

Population:292K

Cost Index:

(4% below avg)

Median Home:$365K

Portland, OR

The Beaver State

641K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Craft beer capital
•Foodie destination
•Keep Portland Weird

Major Industries

TechnologyManufacturingFood & BeverageTourism

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!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Portland, OR vs Anchorage, AK

Category	Portland, OR	Anchorage, AK	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,704/mo	$3,066/mo	↓ $1,637less	34.8%
All Utilities	$475/mo	$825/mo	↑ $350more	73.6%
Transportation	$1,721/mo	$1,448/mo	↓ $273less	15.9%
Groceries	$1,069/mo	$1,329/mo	↑ $260more	24.3%
Healthcare	$663/mo	$892/mo	↑ $229more	34.6%
Other	$1,925/mo	$1,858/mo	↓ $66.96less	3.5%

Housing

↓ 34.8%

Portland, OR

$4,704

Anchorage, AK

$3,066

Difference

$1,637

less

All Utilities

↑ 73.6%

Portland, OR

$475

Anchorage, AK

$825

Difference

$350

Transportation

↓ 15.9%

Portland, OR

$1,721

Anchorage, AK

$1,448

Difference

$273

less

Groceries

↑ 24.3%

Portland, OR

$1,069

Anchorage, AK

$1,329

Difference

$260

Healthcare

↑ 34.6%

Portland, OR

$663

Anchorage, AK

$892

Difference

$229

Other

↓ 3.5%

Portland, OR

$1,925

Anchorage, AK

$1,858

Difference

$66.96

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Portland, OR: Multnomah County Preschool for All$1,500/yr (1.0%)

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$1,555

To$1,230

↓ $325

1 Bed

From$1,655

To$1,325

↓ $330

2 Bed

From$1,900

To$1,720

↓ $180

3 Bed

From$2,590

To$2,340

↓ $250

Portland, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$2,030/mo

Anchorage, AKZIP-level data

1BR range: $890–$1,570/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.

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$9,419

Monthly in Anchorage, AK

$1,139

Difference

Home Values

Portland

Anchorage

$535K

Median Value

$365K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↑ +3.9%

↑ +7.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +20.9%

$351K - $760K

Price Range

$316K - $658K

Homes in Anchorage are 32% less expensive than Portland

Calculate payment - Portland Calculate payment - Anchorage

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $15.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$1,293

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

10.3%

Rate difference

Portland, OR

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Oregon State Tax

Effective: 10.3%

$15.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 35.0%

$52.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,123/month

$97.5K

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

Additional Tax Information

Portland, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

Anchorage, AK Tax Rates

Sales Tax:1.8%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.