Did the Cost of Living in Anchorage, AK increase in 2024? Anchorage, AK area prices were up 2.8% from a year ago. The largest increases were found in Transportation, Food, and Housing.
By using Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator, you can make a cost of living comparison of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and salary differentials of over 300+ US cities. Let us help you make an informed decision about what it will cost to live and work in the city of your dreams!
About Anchorage, Alaska Anchorage (officially called the Municipality of Anchorage; Dena'ina: Dgheyaytnu) is a unified home rule municipality in the U.S. state of Alaska. Wit....More
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour while Alaska's state law sets the minimum wage rate at $11.73 per hour in 2024.
Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels.
View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting
Minimum Wage Values in Anchorage, AK
Based on this cost of living comparison, you can see:
If you move from Chicago IL, Dallas, TX, or Miami, FL, the percent increase of your cost of living could be 22.8%, 37.8%, and 24.8%.
Looks like this move could have a negative net change in disposable income, so please think carefully!
If you move from New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, or Washington, DC, the percent reduction of your cost of living could be -43.50%, -23%, and -20.10%,
that's good news to you that you could be looking at a positive net change in disposable income.
About Anchorage, AK
Anchorage (officially called the Municipality of Anchorage; Dena'ina: Dgheyaytnu) is a unified home rule municipality in the U.S. state of Alaska. With an estimated 298,192 residents in 2016, it is Alaska's most populous city and contains more than 40 percent of the state's total population; among the 50 states, only New York has a higher percentage of residents who live in its most populous city. All together, the Anchorage metropolitan area, which combines Anchorage with the neighboring Matanuska-Susitna Borough, had a population of 401,635 in 2016, which accounts for more than half of the s...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia
Comments about the Cost of Living in Anchorage, AK
Will the cost of food in Anchorage, Alaska impact the overall cost of living there?
Yes, cost of food is important as we all have to eat! There are ways to save money on your food expenses if you plan carefully. Check out stores like Alberrsons to buy items in bulk at a considerable savings. At different times of the year you can get local produce low prices at roadside stands or farmer’s markets. There are lots of ways to reduce food expenses and lower your overall cost of living in Anchorage, AK. (2024-11-21salary.com)
Are there good recreational opportunities in or near Anchorage, AK?
Anchorage, Alaska does not have a major sports team, but don’t worry, check out local colleges and high school sports schedules. These games usually have very cheap tickets and the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd often makes up for the level of skill. (2024-11-21salary.com)
How much is the average price of internet in Anchorage, AK?
The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. (2024-11-21salary.com)
I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?
The average cost of moving to another state is around $5,600 for a distance of 1,200 miles. This price can vary a lot if the distance is greater and depending on how much is being moved. Even if your employer is covering the cost of a move, there will still be costs that are not covered. A cost that typically occurs is that your existing furniture and accessories are either too large, too small, or not appropriate for your new home. You may find that after you move, you will need to purchase many new items for the new location, for example, window coverings, rugs, lighting, and outdoor gear. Make sure you budget for these types of expenses and include them in the first year’s cost of living at your new location. Finally, although there is no dollar cost, is the stress of moving, which will increase if you have children or pets. Make sure you prepare in advance for what additional TLC those kids and pets will need to have a good move. (2024-11-21salary.com)
I am moving with children, what should I do to make the move less stressful for them and myself?
Adults find that moving can sometimes be an emotional and stressful experience. Children, who don’t have the maturity, independence, and understanding of a parent may be even more sensitive to a move. If they are old enough to understand, include the children in making plans for the move. When moving to a distant place, help your children learn about the new area. Check out the website for Anchorage, Alaska to find opportunities and activities in the new location like parks, beaches, museums, or playgrounds that kids will enjoy and look forward to visiting. (2024-11-21salary.com)
How much are average utility costs in Anchorage, Alaska compared to the rest of U.S.?
Electric costs in Anchorage,AK are currently the second highest when compared to other states. Since a year ago the price of electricity in Alaska has gone up about 1.806%. Electric costs will contribute to the energy component of your overall cost of living. (2024-11-21salary.com)
I have a child, how much will child care cost per month in Anchorage, Alaska ?
It is difficult to exactly predict the cost of child care in any city, which for parents, is a large part of the cost of living. There are different arrangements and lengths of time that are needed to care for a child, and costs may vary a lot depending on the services provided. Based on the state average, for Anchorage child care for a child up to 3 years could cost $10957 per year. Alaska, is ranked NO. 19 in annual cost of child care in the U.S. (2024-11-21salary.com)
How do rental housing prices in Anchorage,Alaska impact the overall cost of living?
In Anchorage,AK, the median rent for a 1 bedroom apartment is $847, and for a 2 bedroom apartment is $1086. In general, in the past year, rental costs in Anchorage have stayed constant by approximately 0%. Since rental expense makes up a significant part of the cost of living, you should consider this expense and how it might change when you calculate your cost of living in a new city. (2024-11-21salary.com)
I need to keep my cost of living under control, is there a lot to do in Anchorage, Alaska that is not very expensive?
Looks for areas of Anchorage, Alaska where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Anchorage, AK to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. (2024-11-21salary.com)
Is Anchorage, Alaska very congested with traffic?
Unfortunately, driving in Anchorage, Alaska is not very easy and may take up a lot of your time. It is ranked as number 68 in the United States, making it below average in driver friendliness. This means that the time and ease of your driving times will impact your cost of living, since driving in heavy and slow moving traffic uses a lot of gas. (2024-11-21salary.com)
Can you save money using public transport?
You could save up to $1,000 per year, depending on your location, by using public transport instead of driving. This could translate into significant reduction in your cost of living. Not only will you reduce the stress of driving and finding a place to park once you reach your destination, your car and tires will last longer, and you will spend less on gas. A side benefit is that you may be able to relax, work, or read on the way to work, or get to know and chat with other commuters. Some employers offer employees reduced fee bus or transit passes, so check that out with your employer. (2024-11-21salary.com)
Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?
In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family.
(2024-11-21salary.com)
What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?
The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison.
(2024-11-21salary.com)
The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly.
(2024-11-21salary.com)
Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.
Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.