Anchorage, AK vs Melrose, 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
Melrose
67.3
#1438 nationally
Melrose leads in crime level (2.8 vs 27.8). Melrose leads in walk score (62 vs 31). Anchorage leads in average commute (19.1 min vs 37.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Anchorage, AK | Melrose, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.2 (#1706) | 67.3 (#1438) |
| Population | 286,075 | 29,357 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $425,357 | $930,823 |
| Median Household Income | $95,731 | $126,305 |
| Average Commute | 19.1 min | 37.1 min |
| Walk Score | 31 | 62 |
| Crime Level | 27.8 | 2.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 132 | 167 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+12.7 | D+39.5 |
Data coverage note: Anchorage is missing data for 1 metric that Melrose 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+
67.3 Score
Melrose, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$930,823
Population
29,357
Crime
Low
Walk Score
62
Northeast
View Melrose, MA →