Is Anchorage, AK cheaper than Salem, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Anchorage, AK is 5.7% more expensive than Salem, OR. This translates to spending an extra $428 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Salem, OR, you'd need approximately $155,131.106 in Anchorage, AK to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Anchorage, AK is 20.4% cheaper than in Salem, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,720/month in Anchorage, AK compared to $1,218/month in Salem, OR.

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

Living in Anchorage, AK costs approximately $428 more per month than Salem, OR, or $5131 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Salem, 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 Salem, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $428/month more in Anchorage, AK

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.1K in Anchorage, AK

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

Overall Cost

↑ 5.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$428

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.1K

Per year

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

Salem, OR

Population:177K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$471K

Anchorage, AK

Population:292K

Cost Index:

106

(6% above avg)

Median Home:$365K

Salem, OR

The Beaver State

177K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Oregon, this city has a population of 177K residents.

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: Salem, OR vs Anchorage, AK

Category	Salem, OR	Anchorage, AK	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,851/mo	$3,066/mo	↓ $784less	20.4%
All Utilities	$453/mo	$825/mo	↑ $372more	82.0%
Groceries	$1,020/mo	$1,329/mo	↑ $309more	30.3%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$892/mo	↑ $260more	41.1%
Transportation	$1,566/mo	$1,448/mo	↓ $118less	7.5%
Other	$1,751/mo	$1,858/mo	↑ $107more	6.1%

Housing

↓ 20.4%

Salem, OR

$3,851

Anchorage, AK

$3,066

Difference

$784

less

All Utilities

↑ 82.0%

Salem, OR

$453

Anchorage, AK

$825

Difference

$372

Groceries

↑ 30.3%

Salem, OR

$1,020

Anchorage, AK

$1,329

Difference

$309

Healthcare

↑ 41.1%

Salem, OR

$632

Anchorage, AK

$892

Difference

$260

Transportation

↓ 7.5%

Salem, OR

$1,566

Anchorage, AK

$1,448

Difference

$118

less

Other

↑ 6.1%

Salem, OR

$1,751

Anchorage, AK

$1,858

Difference

$107

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$924

To$1,230

↑ $306

1 Bed

From$936

To$1,325

↑ $389

2 Bed

From$1,218

To$1,720

↑ $502

3 Bed

From$1,686

To$2,340

↑ $654

Salem, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,150–$1,580/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.

$9,273

Monthly in Salem, OR

$9,419

Monthly in Anchorage, AK

$146

Difference

Home Values

Salem

Anchorage

$471K

Median Value

$365K

↑ +0.3%

YoY Change

↑ +3.9%

↑ +26.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +20.9%

$364K - $488K

Price Range

$316K - $658K

Homes in Anchorage are 22% less expensive than Salem

Calculate payment - Salem 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

Salem, 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

Salem, 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.