Cost of Living

The cost of living in Anchorage averages about 18% higher than the national average and is similar to the costs in Portland, Oregon. With the standard city represented by the number 100, Anchorage earned the following ratings for the second quarter of 2005, according to the ACCRA Cost of Living Index.

If you went to the store and bought 1 lb. of ground beef in Anchorage, it would cost you $3.37; a half-gallon of milk will cost you $2.56, and bread will cost you $1.19.

For the best and most current statistics, there is no better resource than Anchorage Indicators, a publication of the Municipality of Anchorage’s Community Planning & Development Department. The cost is approximately $15 and can be ordered by calling (907) 343-4309 or visiting www.ci.anchorage.ak.us.

Another excellent source for learning about the local business environment of Anchorage and Alaska communities is the Alaska Journal of Commerce’s "Book of Lists. It can be ordered by calling (907) 561-4772.

Personal Property Tax
Except for mobile homes, Anchorage residents pay no property tax on individual personal property utilized solely and exclusively for personal, non-business uses or purposes.

Sales Tax
There is no state sales tax in Alaska nor is there a local sales tax in Anchorage.

Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend
The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend program allows all eligible Alaskans to share the wealth from publicly owned resources. Every eligible man, woman and child who is an Alaska resident is entitled to a dividend each year. In 2004, eligible Alaskans received a dividend of $919.84. Since its origin, the dividend program has channeled more than $7.7 billion into the Alaskan economy.

The amount of the dividend is based on the number of eligible applicants and the Permanent Fund earnings available for distribution.

For more information on the PFD:
Check out the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation!