Cost of Living in Fairbanks, AK is
20.5% Higher
than the National Average

Did the Cost of Living in Fairbanks, AK increase in 2024? Fairbanks, AK area prices were up 2.8% from a year ago. The largest increases were found in Transportation, Food, and Housing.
By using Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator, you can make a cost of living comparison of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and salary differentials of over 300+ US cities. Let us help you make an informed decision about what it will cost to live and work in the city of your dreams!
About Fairbanks, Alaska    Fairbanks (Tanana: Tanan) is a home rule city and the borough seat of the Fairbanks North Star Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. Fairbanks is the l....More
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour while Alaska's state law sets the minimum wage rate at $11.73 per hour in 2024. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Fairbanks, AK

Cost of Living Calculator



Cost of Living in other Major Cities

City, State Compared to national average
City, State San Francisco, CA Compared to national average
+ 86.5%
City, State Washington, DC Compared to national average
+ 45.2%
City, State Miami, FL Compared to national average
+ 15.4%
City, State Chicago, IL Compared to national average
+ 12.4%
City, State Boston, MA Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State New York, NY Compared to national average
+ 77.0%
City, State Dallas, TX Compared to national average
+ 7.0%

Cost of Living Fairbanks, AK by Expense Category

Category Compared to national average
CategoryEnergy Compared to national average
+ 2.2%
CategoryFood Compared to national average
-10.4%
CategoryHealthcare Compared to national average
-13.8%
CategoryHousing Compared to national average
-9.6%
CategoryTransportation Compared to national average
+ 26.7%

Cost of Living Comparison with Fairbanks, AK

If you move to Fairbanks from one of these cities, you would have these the changes of your cost of living.


Move From Move To Cost Of Living Comparison
Move FromSan Francisco, CA Move ToFairbanks, AK Cost Of Living Comparision
-66.0%
Move FromWashington, DC Move ToFairbanks, AK Cost Of Living Comparision
-24.6%
Move FromMiami, FL Move ToFairbanks, AK Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 5.2%
Move FromChicago, IL Move ToFairbanks, AK Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 8.2%
Move FromBoston, MA Move ToFairbanks, AK Cost Of Living Comparision
-32.6%
Move FromNew York, NY Move ToFairbanks, AK Cost Of Living Comparision
-56.5%
Move FromDallas, TX Move ToFairbanks, AK Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 13.5%

Based on this cost of living comparison, you can see:
If you move from Chicago IL, Dallas, TX, or Miami, FL, the percent increase of your cost of living could be 22.8%, 37.8%, and 24.8%. Looks like this move could have a negative net change in disposable income, so please think carefully!
If you move from New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, or Washington, DC, the percent reduction of your cost of living could be -43.50%, -23%, and -20.10%, that's good news to you that you could be looking at a positive net change in disposable income.


About Fairbanks, AK

Fairbanks (Tanana: Tanan) is a home rule city and the borough seat of the Fairbanks North Star Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. Fairbanks is the largest city in the Interior region of Alaska. 2016 estimates put the population of the city proper at 32,751, and the population of the Fairbanks North Star Borough at 97,121, making it the second most populous metropolitan area in Alaska (after Anchorage). The Metropolitan Statistical Area encompasses all of the Fairbanks North Star Borough and is the northernmost Metropolitan Statistical Area in the United States, located 196 driving miles (or ...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia


Comments about the Cost of Living in Fairbanks, AK

What stores are known for lower grocery prices?

Stores like Peapod are known to offer low prices. Shopping there can considerably reduce cost of living, as the prices in grocery stores can vary a lot. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Are there good recreational opportunities in or near Fairbanks, AK?

Fairbanks, Alaska does not have a major sports team, but don’t worry, check out local colleges and high school sports schedules. These games usually have very cheap tickets and the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd often makes up for the level of skill. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

How much is the average price of internet in Fairbanks, AK?

The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?

The average cost of moving to another state is around $5,600 for a distance of 1,200 miles. This price can vary a lot if the distance is greater and depending on how much is being moved. Even if your employer is covering the cost of a move, there will still be costs that are not covered. A cost that typically occurs is that your existing furniture and accessories are either too large, too small, or not appropriate for your new home. You may find that after you move, you will need to purchase many new items for the new location, for example, window coverings, rugs, lighting, and outdoor gear. Make sure you budget for these types of expenses and include them in the first year’s cost of living at your new location. Finally, although there is no dollar cost, is the stress of moving, which will increase if you have children or pets. Make sure you prepare in advance for what additional TLC those kids and pets will need to have a good move. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

I am moving with children, what should I do to make the move less stressful for them and myself?

Make sure your child has a favorite toy, doll, game, clothing, blanket, snacks, etc. to take with them during the transition. Once you arrive, let your child help with arranging and decorating their new room. You may be tempted to unpack everything when you arrive, but make sure you take a break from unpacking to spend time playing and relaxing with your child. Plan on packing a special bag to take with you with those items that you will need first. Towels, soap, a few basic kitchen utensils and food items like crackers, tea, juice, will make your new location functional as soon as you arrive and fell more like home. A small new toy, book, or video that you give to your child when you arrive might help them to feel happy and relaxed in the new location. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

I need to understand how to budget for energy, is the cost electricity going up or down in Fairbanks, Alaska?

The cost of electricity in Alaska has gone up by 1.806% in the past year. It is possible that electric rates may fluctuate depending on consumption rates, government regulations and even the weather. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

My kids are important, how much of my cost of living should I estimate I will need to spend on child care in Fairbanks, AK?

It is difficult to exactly predict the cost of child care in any city, which for parents, is a large part of the cost of living. There are different arrangements and lengths of time that are needed to care for a child, and costs may vary a lot depending on the services provided. Based on the state average, for Fairbanks child care for a child up to 3 years could cost $10957 per year. Alaska, is ranked NO. 19 in annual cost of child care in the U.S. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

How do rental housing prices in Fairbanks,Alaska impact the overall cost of living?

In Fairbanks,AK, my friend pays $2680 for a large 2 bedroom apartment. Since he has 2 children, he needs to have a large apartment. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

How does Fairbanks, Alaska compare to the rest of U.S. as far as all the taxes that will affect my cost of living?

Good question. Based on Individual income taxes (which you will pay on earnings), Sales taxes (pay for your purchases), property taxes (on your home or indirectly on your rent), unemployment insurance taxes (from your income), and general business taxes (impacting employers ability to offer jobs and good pay), in Fairbanks, the overall tax climate compared to the rest of the country is the second lowest. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Can you save money using public transport?

You could save up to $1,000 per year, depending on your location, by using public transport instead of driving. Not only will you reduce the stress of driving and finding a place to park once you reach your destination, your car and tires will last longer, and you will spend less on gas. A side benefit is that you may be able to relax, work, or read on the way to work, or get to know and chat with other commuters. Some employers offer employees reduced fee bus or transit passes, so check that out with your employer. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )



Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?

In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )


Last Update: 2024-04-24