Alaska vs California Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$59,195
in Alaska
$52,411
in California
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Alaska | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 123.6 | 199.4 | -38% |
| Groceries | 125.0 | 109.3 | +14% |
| Utilities | 156.5 | 140.5 | +11% |
| Transportation | 120.2 | 136.8 | -12% |
| Healthcare | 139.2 | 104.2 | +34% |
| Dining & Misc | 122.6 | 116.6 | +5% |
| Overall | 126.7 | 143.1 | -11% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Alaska.
What things actually cost
| Item | Alaska | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $340,000 | $785,000 | $445,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,730/mo | $2,792/mo | $1,062 |
| Gas price | $3.95/gal | $5.29/gal | $1.34 |
| Electric bill | $196/mo | $240/mo | $43 |
| Infant childcare | $20,943/yr | $21,945/yr | $1,002 |
Salary equivalent: Alaska → California
What a Alaska salary buys you in California, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Alaska | Equivalent in California | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $56,472 | $-6,472 |
| $75,000 | $84,708 | $-9,708 |
| $100,000 | $112,944 | $-12,944 |
| $150,000 | $169,416 | $-19,416 |
| $200,000 | $225,888 | $-25,888 |
Positive = your money goes further in California. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
California is 11% more expensive than Alaska overall. California has an index of 143.1 vs 126.7 for Alaska (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Alaska or California?
Alaska is cheaper to live in. California is 11% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $340,000 in Alaska vs $785,000 in California.
Is Alaska cheaper than California?
Yes, Alaska is 11% cheaper than California overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is California more expensive than Alaska?
Yes, California is 11% more expensive than Alaska based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in California equals $100,000 in Alaska?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Alaska, you would need approximately $112,944 in California. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (126.7 vs 143.1).
How do housing costs compare between Alaska and California?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Alaska. Median home prices are $340,000 in Alaska vs $785,000 in California — a $445,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,730/mo vs $2,792/mo.
What costs more in Alaska vs California?
Housing is 38% lower in Alaska (index 123.6 vs 199.4). Healthcare is 34% higher in Alaska (index 139.2 vs 104.2). Transportation is 12% lower in Alaska (index 120.2 vs 136.8).
Is gas cheaper in Alaska or California?
Gas averages $3.95/gallon in Alaska and $5.29/gallon in California — a $1.34 difference per gallon.
Alaska vs California cost of living — how do they compare?
Alaska has an overall cost-of-living index of 126.7 and California has 143.1 (national average = 100). California is 11% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and California?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Alaska vs California paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Alaska Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- California Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Alaska vs California Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Alaska — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in California — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.