$40K in Anchorage = $35,200 in Cheyenne
Your $40K salary in Anchorage (COL 100) has the same purchasing power as $35,200 in Cheyenne (COL 88). Cheyenne is cheaper — your money goes 12% further there.
Budget breakdown — $40K in both cities
What $40K actually buys you in each city after taxes and core expenses.
| Expense | Anchorage $40K | Cheyenne $40K (same salary) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $2,728 | $2,728 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,150 |
| Groceries | $391 | $365 |
| Transport | $45 | $35 |
| Utilities | $165 | $148 |
| Internet | $90 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $237/month | $962/month |
Frequently asked questions
What is $40K in Anchorage equivalent to in Cheyenne?
$40K in Anchorage (COL index 100) has the same purchasing power as $35,200 in Cheyenne (COL index 88). That's 12% less than your current salary.
If I move from Anchorage to Cheyenne keeping my $40K salary, will I be better off?
Yes. If you keep earning $40K after moving to Cheyenne, you'd have $725 more per month after core expenses — because Cheyenne is cheaper than Anchorage.
How is the salary equivalent calculated?
The equivalent salary is calculated by multiplying your current salary by the ratio of the two cities' overall cost of living indices: $40K × (88 ÷ 100) = $35,200. This adjusts for differences in housing, food, transport, and general cost of living.
Other salary amounts — Anchorage to Cheyenne
Equivalency uses overall COL index ratio. Take-home uses simplified federal/state brackets. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only