Anchorage, AK vs Salem, MA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Anchorage
64.2
#1706 nationally
Salem
68.6
#1307 nationally
Salem leads in crime level (4.2 vs 27.8). Salem leads in walk score (70 vs 31). Anchorage leads in average commute (19.1 min vs 30.6 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Anchorage, AK | Salem, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.2 (#1706) | 68.6 (#1307) |
| Population | 286,075 | 44,744 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $425,357 | $614,321 |
| Median Household Income | $95,731 | $79,196 |
| Average Commute | 19.1 min | 30.6 min |
| Walk Score | 31 | 70 |
| Crime Level | 27.8 | 4.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 132 | 135 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+12.7 | D+20.3 |
Data coverage note: Anchorage is missing data for 1 metric that Salem has. Scores with less coverage are penalized — see our methodology.
D
64.2 Score
Anchorage, AK
Growing Alaska city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$425,357
Population
286,075
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
31
Pacific
View Anchorage, AK →
D+
68.6 Score
Salem, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$614,321
Population
44,744
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
70
Northeast
View Salem, MA →