Cost of Living: Anchorage vs Santa Rosa (2026)
Anchorage has a 29% lower overall cost of living than Santa Rosa as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,800/mo in Anchorage vs $2,200/mo in Santa Rosa — a 18% difference. Anchorage has no state income tax, giving residents more take-home pay than those in Santa Rosa (9.3% rate).
- Anchorage is 29% cheaper overall (COL index: 100 vs 140)
- 1BR rent: $1,800/mo in Anchorage vs $2,200/mo — 18% savings
- Anchorage has 0% state income tax — saves ~$3,300+/yr at a $75K salary
- Higher median household income: Anchorage ($80,000/yr vs $72,000/yr)
- Median home price: $400,000 in Anchorage vs $680,000 — 41% difference
| Category | Anchorage Alaska | Santa Rosa California |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,400Best | $1,700 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,800Best | $2,200 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,450Best | $3,000 |
| Median home price | $400KBest | $680K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 103Best | 108 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $16Best | $16 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $65Best | $68 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $45Best | $72 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.90Best | $4.60 |
| Car insurance/mo | $175 | $162Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $165 | $148Best |
| Internet/mo | $90 | $68Best |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $80KBest | $72K |
| State income tax% | 0.0%Best | 9.3% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 1.8%Best | 8.5% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $15.00Best | $16.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $45Best | $52 |
| Beer at restaurant | $7.00Best | $7.50 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 100Best | 140 |
| Walk score / 100 | 26 | 44Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Anchorage cheaper than Santa Rosa?
Yes. Anchorage is 29% cheaper than Santa Rosa based on overall cost of living indices (100 vs 140, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Anchorage vs Santa Rosa?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Anchorage is $1,800/month and in Santa Rosa is $2,200/month. Anchorage is cheaper by 18%.
How much do I need to earn in Santa Rosa to match a $75,000 salary in Anchorage?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $105,000/year in Santa Rosa to match a $75,000 salary in Anchorage. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Anchorage or Santa Rosa?
Anchorage has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 9.3%. Anchorage has no state income tax at all, which can save thousands of dollars per year depending on your income. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Anchorage to Santa Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage offers lower overall costs and tax advantages, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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