Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,052 in Alaska versus $1,332 in Washington. Overall, Alaska runs roughly 21% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $98,152 in Alaska and $83,857 in Washington — about 15% higher in Alaska. Alaska has no state income tax and no state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
None
6.5%
+6.5 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
None
None
about equal
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,052
$1,332
+27% in Washington
Median Home Value
$375,900
$454,600
+21% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$98,152
$83,857
+15% in Alaska
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
37.4°F
52.1°F
+14.7°F in Washington
Alaska vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Alaska or Washington?
- Alaska is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,052 runs about 21% below Washington's $1,332, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Alaska than in Washington?
- 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 $53,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Alaska or Washington?
- Alaska has no state income tax and no state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Alaska/Washington — 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.