Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Anchorage is 4% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia is equivalent to $72,159 in Anchorage.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alaska salaries · Maryland salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Anchorage has a housing index of 142 while Columbia sits at 172 (national average = 100). The median home in Anchorage costs $340,000 compared to $430,000 in Columbia, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Anchorage versus $1,900 in Columbia.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Anchorage scores 120 while Columbia scores 104.
Healthcare costs in Anchorage (128) are higher than Columbia (101).
Median household income in Anchorage is $72,515 compared to $112,738 in Columbia. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Anchorage.
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