Alaska vs South Carolina Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$59,195
in Alaska
$80,906
in South Carolina
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 | South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 123.6 | 80.6 | +53% |
| Groceries | 125.0 | 99.0 | +26% |
| Utilities | 156.5 | 96.9 | +62% |
| Transportation | 120.2 | 96.4 | +25% |
| Healthcare | 139.2 | 94.2 | +48% |
| Dining & Misc | 122.6 | 98.2 | +25% |
| Overall | 126.7 | 92.7 | +37% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Alaska.
What things actually cost
| Item | Alaska | South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $340,000 | $285,000 | +$55,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,730/mo | $1,128/mo | +$602 |
| Gas price | $3.95/gal | $3.21/gal | +$0.74 |
| Electric bill | $196/mo | $97/mo | +$100 |
| Infant childcare | $20,943/yr | $11,512/yr | +$9,431 |
Salary equivalent: Alaska → South Carolina
What a Alaska salary buys you in South Carolina, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Alaska | Equivalent in South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $36,582 | +$13,418 |
| $75,000 | $54,874 | +$20,126 |
| $100,000 | $73,165 | +$26,835 |
| $150,000 | $109,747 | +$40,253 |
| $200,000 | $146,330 | +$53,670 |
Positive = your money goes further in South Carolina. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Alaska is 37% more expensive than South Carolina overall. Alaska has an index of 126.7 vs 92.7 for South Carolina (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Alaska or South Carolina?
South Carolina is cheaper to live in. Alaska is 37% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $340,000 in Alaska vs $285,000 in South Carolina.
Is South Carolina cheaper than Alaska?
Yes, South Carolina is 37% cheaper than Alaska overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Alaska more expensive than South Carolina?
Yes, Alaska is 37% more expensive than South Carolina based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in South Carolina equals $100,000 in Alaska?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Alaska, you would need approximately $73,165 in South Carolina. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (126.7 vs 92.7).
How do housing costs compare between Alaska and South Carolina?
Housing is significantly cheaper in South Carolina. Median home prices are $340,000 in Alaska vs $285,000 in South Carolina — a $55,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,730/mo vs $1,128/mo.
What costs more in Alaska vs South Carolina?
Utilities is 62% higher in Alaska (index 156.5 vs 96.9). Healthcare is 48% higher in Alaska (index 139.2 vs 94.2). Housing is 53% higher in Alaska (index 123.6 vs 80.6).
Is gas cheaper in Alaska or South Carolina?
Gas averages $3.95/gallon in Alaska and $3.21/gallon in South Carolina — a $0.74 difference per gallon.
Alaska vs South Carolina cost of living — how do they compare?
Alaska has an overall cost-of-living index of 126.7 and South Carolina has 92.7 (national average = 100). Alaska is 37% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and South Carolina?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Alaska has no state income tax and no state sales tax. It funds government primarily through oil revenue. South Carolina uses a progressive income tax with a top rate of 6.40% on income above $16,040. Use the Alaska vs South Carolina paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in Alaska and South Carolina?
Alaska has no state income tax, so residents do not file a state tax return. South Carolina requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
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
- South Carolina Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Alaska vs South Carolina Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Alaska — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in South Carolina — How much house can you afford?
- Alaska Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- South Carolina Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Alaska Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- South Carolina Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Alaska Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- South Carolina Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- 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.