Alaska vs Washington Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$59,195
in Alaska
$66,430
in Washington
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 | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 123.6 | 118.3 | +4% |
| Groceries | 125.0 | 108.0 | +16% |
| Utilities | 156.5 | 98.8 | +58% |
| Transportation | 120.2 | 124.0 | -3% |
| Healthcare | 139.2 | 110.2 | +26% |
| Dining & Misc | 122.6 | 111.2 | +10% |
| Overall | 126.7 | 112.9 | +12% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Alaska.
What things actually cost
| Item | Alaska | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $340,000 | $580,000 | $240,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,730/mo | $1,656/mo | +$74 |
| Gas price | $3.95/gal | $4.69/gal | $0.74 |
| Electric bill | $196/mo | $90/mo | +$107 |
| Infant childcare | $20,943/yr | $20,677/yr | +$266 |
Salary equivalent: Alaska → Washington
What a Alaska salary buys you in Washington, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Alaska | Equivalent in Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $44,554 | +$5,446 |
| $75,000 | $66,831 | +$8,169 |
| $100,000 | $89,108 | +$10,892 |
| $150,000 | $133,662 | +$16,338 |
| $200,000 | $178,216 | +$21,784 |
Positive = your money goes further in Washington. 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 12% more expensive than Washington overall. Alaska has an index of 126.7 vs 112.9 for Washington (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Alaska or Washington?
Washington is cheaper to live in. Alaska is 12% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $340,000 in Alaska vs $580,000 in Washington.
Is Washington cheaper than Alaska?
Yes, Washington is 12% 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 Washington?
Yes, Alaska is 12% more expensive than Washington based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Washington equals $100,000 in Alaska?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Alaska, you would need approximately $89,108 in Washington. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (126.7 vs 112.9).
How do housing costs compare between Alaska and Washington?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Alaska. Median home prices are $340,000 in Alaska vs $580,000 in Washington — a $240,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,730/mo vs $1,656/mo.
What costs more in Alaska vs Washington?
Utilities is 58% higher in Alaska (index 156.5 vs 98.8). Healthcare is 26% higher in Alaska (index 139.2 vs 110.2). Groceries is 16% higher in Alaska (index 125 vs 108).
Is gas cheaper in Alaska or Washington?
Gas averages $3.95/gallon in Alaska and $4.69/gallon in Washington — a $0.74 difference per gallon.
Alaska vs Washington cost of living — how do they compare?
Alaska has an overall cost-of-living index of 126.7 and Washington has 112.9 (national average = 100). Alaska is 12% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Washington?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Alaska vs Washington 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
- Washington Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Alaska vs Washington Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Alaska — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Washington — 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.