Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,052 in Alaska versus $1,235 in Florida. Overall, Alaska runs roughly 15% cheaper on rent than Florida, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $98,152 in Alaska and $69,142 in Florida — about 30% higher in Alaska. Alaska has no state income tax and no state sales tax; Florida has no state income tax and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
None
6%
+6.0 pp in Florida
Income Tax (top rate)
None
None
about equal
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,052
$1,235
+17% in Florida
Median Home Value
$375,900
$320,700
+15% in Alaska
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$98,152
$69,142
+30% in Alaska
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
37.4°F
71.8°F
+34.4°F in Florida
Alaska vs Florida — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Alaska or Florida?
- Alaska is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,052 runs about 15% below Florida's $1,235, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Alaska than in Florida?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $42,000 a year in Alaska versus $49,000 in Florida.
- Which has lower taxes, Alaska or Florida?
- Alaska has no state income tax and no state sales tax. Florida has no state income tax and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/2 cities we track in Alaska/Florida — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.