Travel Nurse Pay in Anchorage, Alaska: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates

Economic analysis: GSA housing caps, average rent, and profitability verdict for travel nurses in Anchorage.

Data reviewed July 3, 2026 · 50 states, 221 cities, FY2026 GSA rates

Pay and rent figures on this page are our own editorial estimates, reviewed July 31, 2026 — not survey or government wage data. How we produce these numbers.

Economics Verdict

Tight Budget: Anchorage Travel Nursing

GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)

$0/wk

≈ $0/mo

Avg Rent (1BR)

$1,500/mo

Margin

$-1,500/mo

May need to supplement

How the numbers here are checked

Tax figures are computed from published IRS and SSA sources and per diem from GSA, each carrying a citation and a retrieval date; our build fails if any loses one. Pay, rent and cost-of-living figures are our own editorial estimates. This page has not been reviewed by a licensed professional — see our methodology, and consult a CPA about your own situation.

Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown

Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.

Effective Tax Rate13.8%
Federal income tax (2026 brackets)$44/wk
FICA (Social Security + Medicare)$55/wk
State income tax$0

Federal tax applies to wages after the $16,100 standard deduction; FICA applies to all wages. Tax-free stipends are excluded from both.

Same-state assignment, and AK levies no wage income tax, so no state income tax return is due on these wages.

Overtime (Optional)

Blended Hourly Rate

$58.89

Based on 36 hours in AK.

Gross Weekly Pay

$2,120

Taxable Weekly Income

$720

Estimated Weekly Taxes

$100

True Net Weekly Pay

$2,020

Assignment Projections

13-Week Assignment

$26,266

Net Pay

26-Week Assignment

$52,532

Net Pay

Annual (52 weeks)

$105,063

Net Pay

Take Home vs Taxes

Loading chart...

Take Home

$2,020

per week

Taxes

$100

per week

Total Gross: $2,120 per week

🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis

Your Weekly Housing Stipend

$1,000

$4,330/month

Est. 1BR Rent in Alaska

$1,200

Monthly average

Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money

+$3,130

Your stipend covers rent with $3,130 left over each month.

Find apartments under $1,200/month in Anchorage:

We may earn a commission if you book through our link.

Cost of Living Analysis in Alaska

Monthly Net Income:$8,749
Average 1BR Rent:$1,200
True Discretionary Income:$7,549

After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses

Cost of Living Index:125.8

National average = 100. Alaska's cost of living is higher than the national average by 25.8 points.

💡 High cost of living area. Ensure your pay compensates for the increased expenses.

Housing Cost: High

Utilities: Very High

Rent figures are our own editorial estimates, not survey or listings data. Actual rent varies by neighborhood and housing type.

Resources for Your Assignment

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Is this pay package fair?

Based on $2,320/week in Alaska

Comparison Battle

Staff vs. Travel Nurse in Anchorage, Alaska

Side-by-side budget comparison for 2026. Which employment mode wins?

Staff Nurse

Weekly Gross

$1,512

Weekly Take-Home

$1,089

Annual Net (52 weeks)

$56,609

Travel Nurse

WINNER

Weekly Gross (incl. stipends)

$2,088

Weekly Take-Home

$1,587

Annual Net (~48 weeks)

$76,170

Travel nursing wins by $19,561/year

That's $498/week difference in take-home pay

Want a detailed breakdown customized for your situation?

Travel Nurse Pay in Anchorage

Average Hourly Rate

$58/hr

Average Weekly Pay

$2,320

GSA Lodging Rate

$/night

GSA Meal Rate

$/day

Cost of Living in Anchorage

Cost of Living Index

125.3 (Above National Average)

Studio

$1300/mo

1 Bedroom

$1500/mo

2 Bedroom

$2000/mo

Top Hospitals in Anchorage

  • 🏥 Providence Alaska
  • 🏥 Alaska Native Medical
  • 🏥 VA Alaska

Specialty Pay in Anchorage

Estimated hourly rates for the specialties most in demand here. Click any specialty for certifications, demand and national pay detail.

See all specialties →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do travel nurses make in Anchorage, Alaska?

Travel nurses in Anchorage typically earn between $53 and $68 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $58/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $58-73 per hour.

What are the GSA rates for Anchorage, Alaska?

The GSA per diem rates for Anchorage are: Lodging: $null/night, Meals: $null/day, and Incidentals: $0/day. These rates determine the maximum tax-free stipend amounts travel nurses can receive. For official rates, visit [GSA.gov](https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates).

What is the cost of living in Anchorage?

The cost of living index in Anchorage is 125.3, which is above the national average. Average rent ranges from $1300 for a studio to $2000 for a two-bedroom apartment.

What hospitals hire travel nurses in Anchorage?

Top hospitals in Anchorage that frequently hire travel nurses include Providence Alaska, Alaska Native Medical, VA Alaska, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.

What specialties are in demand in Anchorage?

The most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in Anchorage include Med-Surg, ER, ICU. These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more contract opportunities.

Resources for Anchorage