Anchorage, AK, US
Last Frontier's largest city with no state income or sales tax, but extreme winters.
Overview
Anchorage is a city in AK with a population of 291,247. Last Frontier’s largest city with no state income or sales tax, but extreme winters. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 4b growing zone supports Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials. Sunshine is limited, with about 126 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 34.9.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Anchorage vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 0.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $84,000
- Unemployment: 4.8%
- Population: 291,247
Climate
- Sunny Days: 126/year
- Summer High: 65°F
- Winter Low: 9°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 4b
Housing
- Median Home: $385,000
- 1BR Rent: $1400/mo
Cost of Living
Anchorage's cost of living index is 118.5 (US average = 100).
| Category | Anchorage | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 118.5 | 100 | +18.5% |
| Housing | 128.4 | 100 | +28.4% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $385,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1400/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,750/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $256 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Anchorage:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $210 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $154 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $80 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $90 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $35 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $569 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Anchorage scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Anchorage has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°F | 9°F | 2.5" |
| April | 50°F | 24°F | 2.8" |
| July | 65°F | 40°F | 1.5" |
| October | 45°F | 27°F | 2.2" |
Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials
Natural Hazards
Anchorage faces the following natural hazards:
One of the most seismically active regions in the world.
Extreme winter conditions with severe blizzards.
Coastal tsunami risk from Alaskan earthquakes.
Mountainous terrain with frequent avalanches.
Frequent wildfire seasons.
Mountainous region with landslides.
Nearby active volcanoes in the Aleutian Range.
River and coastal flooding.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 0%
- Property Tax: ~1.23% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.8%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Anchorage per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Anchorage is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Anchorage, AK, US?
The cost of living index in Anchorage is 118.5, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Anchorage?
The median home price in Anchorage is $385,000. The housing index is 128.4.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Anchorage is approximately $1400/mo.
Does Anchorage, AK have income tax?
Anchorage is in AK, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Anchorage?
Anchorage enjoys approximately 126 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 65°F, while winter lows can drop to around 9°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.