Alaska vs Massachusetts
Massachusetts
Property‑Tax Comparison: Alaska vs. Massachusetts
Intro
Both Alaska and Massachusetts levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. The two states differ markedly in median home values and household incomes, yet their effective property‑tax rates are close. The table below summarizes the key metrics from the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Alaska | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 1.14 % | 1.11 % |
| Median home value | $333,300 | $525,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $3,785 | $5,813 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $2,839 | $2,764 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $5,678 | $5,528 |
| Median household income | $89,336 | $101,341 |
All figures are from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Has the Lower Property‑Tax Rate?
- Winner (lower rate): Massachusetts, with an effective rate of 1.11 % versus Alaska’s 1.14 %.
- Rate difference: 0.03 percentage points, which represents a 2.64 % relative difference ((0.03 ÷ 1.14) × 100).
- Annual tax impact on a $250,000 home: Massachusetts taxes are $75 lower ($2,764 vs. $2,839).
- Annual tax impact on a $500,000 home: Massachusetts taxes are $150 lower ($5,528 vs. $5,678).
The lower effective rate in Massachusetts translates into modest absolute savings for homeowners at the $250k and $500k price points, despite the state’s higher median home values.
Who Might Find This Comparison Most Relevant?
| Audience | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how property‑tax liabilities differ if they relocate between the two states. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Assessing the ongoing cost of owning a home relative to purchase price and local tax rates. |
| Retirees | Evaluating overall affordability, since property taxes affect fixed‑income budgets. |
| Policy analysts | Comparing tax structures and their relationship to median incomes and home values. |
| Real‑estate investors | Estimating tax‑related cash‑flow implications across state lines. |
The comparison is factual and data‑driven; it does not prescribe a particular course of action.
Sources
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the effective property‑tax rates and median values listed above are current.
- For state‑specific details, see the internal pages on Alaska property tax and Massachusetts property tax.
Explore More Comparisons
Discover how property taxes compare across all states in our comprehensive comparison guide.
Data Source
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). This comprehensive dataset provides reliable, standardized property tax information across all states.