Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Anchorage and Riverside have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alaska salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Anchorage has a housing index of 142 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Anchorage costs $340,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Anchorage versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Anchorage scores 120 while Riverside scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Anchorage (128) are higher than Riverside (102).
Median household income in Anchorage is $72,515 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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