New York
124.7
composite · rank #46
- Housing
- 172.3
- Grocery
- 100.3
- Utilities
- 102.2
Compare different states
Q1 2026
Q1 2026New York vs Alaska Cost of Living
New York has the lower cost of living by 4.3 index points. Compare category indexes and equivalent salaries in both directions.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026
Lower cost of living
New York is lower
4.3 index points lower. A $100,000 lifestyle in Alaska is roughly $96,667 in New York.
Side-by-side cost of living scoreboard
Alaska
129
composite · rank #47
- Housing
- 132.4
- Grocery
- 126.6
- Utilities
- 148.4
Category-by-category comparison
| Category | New York | Alaska | Lower cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery | 100.3 | 126.6 | New York |
| Housing | 172.3 | 132.4 | Alaska |
| Utilities | 102.2 | 148.4 | New York |
| Transportation | 111.5 | 123.8 | New York |
| Health care | 108.9 | 130.7 | New York |
| Misc. goods & services | 104.9 | 123.1 | New York |
Grocery
New York100.3
Alaska126.6
Lower cost: New York
Housing
New York172.3
Alaska132.4
Lower cost: Alaska
Utilities
New York102.2
Alaska148.4
Lower cost: New York
Transportation
New York111.5
Alaska123.8
Lower cost: New York
Health care
New York108.9
Alaska130.7
Lower cost: New York
Misc. goods & services
New York104.9
Alaska123.1
Lower cost: New York
Equivalent salary examples
Salary needed in the destination state to match purchasing power in the origin state.
| Origin salary | Needed in Alaska | Needed in New York |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,724 | $48,333 |
| $75,000 | $77,586 | $72,500 |
| $100,000 | $103,448 | $96,667 |
| $150,000 | $155,172 | $145,000 |
| $250,000 | $258,621 | $241,667 |
$50,000 origin salary
In Alaska$51,724
In New York$48,333
$75,000 origin salary
In Alaska$77,586
In New York$72,500
$100,000 origin salary
In Alaska$103,448
In New York$96,667
$150,000 origin salary
In Alaska$155,172
In New York$145,000
Housing gap
New York housing is 172.3; Alaska is 132.4.
Salary planning
$100,000 in New York is roughly $103,448 in Alaska.
Statewide averages
Indexes average participating urban areas. Local rents and wages can differ sharply inside either state.
New York vs Alaska cost of living FAQs
New York has the lower cost of living by 4.3 index points. The composite indexes are 124.7 in New York and 129 in Alaska (US average = 100).
About $103,448 in Alaska would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in New York, based on the composite indexes.
About $96,667 in New York would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Alaska.
Housing indexes are 172.3 in New York and 132.4 in Alaska. Housing is often the largest driver, but groceries, utilities, transportation, health care, and other goods also matter.
No. These are statewide averages of participating urban areas. Your city, neighborhood, housing choice, family size, and spending mix can produce a very different personal cost of living.
New York has the lower average index, but wages, taxes, insurance, schools, and job opportunities should also be compared.
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Compare another pair
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Composite index, category costs, and equivalent-salary examples.
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Data period Q1 2026. Statewide urban-area averages; not personal budget calculations.