Alaska vs New York
Property‑Tax Comparison: Alaska vs. New York
Intro
Both Alaska and New York levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. Using the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, the two states differ noticeably in effective tax rates, median home values, and the resulting annual tax bills. The figures below are drawn from the 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Alaska | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 1.14 % | 1.60 % |
| Median home value | $333,300 | $403,000 |
| Median annual property tax | $3,785 | $6,450 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $2,839 | $4,001 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $5,678 | $8,003 |
| Median household income | $89,336 | $84,578 |
Source: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Has the Lower Property‑Tax Burden?
Winner (lower tax rate): Alaska
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.46 percentage points, which is a 29.05 % lower effective rate than New York.
- Annual tax difference on a $250 k home: $1,162 lower in Alaska.
- Annual tax difference on a $500 k home: $2,325 lower in Alaska.
Why Alaska wins
The lower effective tax rate (1.14 % vs. 1.60 %) directly reduces the amount of tax owed on any assessed property value. Even though Alaska’s median home price is lower than New York’s, the tax‑rate gap widens the disparity in actual tax bills, resulting in consistently lower annual payments for comparable home values.
Who Might Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | The effective tax rate and projected annual tax on $250 k and $500 k homes help estimate ongoing housing costs. |
| Retirees | Lower property taxes can reduce fixed‑income expenses, making Alaska potentially more affordable for retirees seeking to minimize housing‑related outlays. |
| Real‑estate investors | Understanding the tax environment assists in evaluating after‑tax cash flow for rental or resale properties. |
| Policy analysts | The side‑by‑side metrics provide a baseline for comparing fiscal policy impacts across states. |
The comparison is factual and does not imply that one state is universally “better”; rather, it highlights that, based on property‑tax rates alone, Alaska imposes a smaller tax burden than New York.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on Alaska’s property‑tax system: Alaska property tax
- Detailed information on New York’s property‑tax system: New York property tax
All figures are based on the most recent ACS estimates and reflect median values; individual tax bills may vary according to local assessment practices and exemptions.
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.