Anchorage, AK vs Fairbanks, AK: Cost of Living Comparison
Fairbanks has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Anchorage | Fairbanks | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 110 | 86 | Fairbanks |
| Housing | 108 ($1,017) | 73 ($1,029) | Fairbanks |
| Transportation | 101 ($3.50) | 101 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 131 ($537) | 97 ($398) | Fairbanks |
| Utilities | 104 ($194) | 87 ($131) | Fairbanks |
| Healthcare | 104 ($140) | 87 ($95) | Fairbanks |
| Median annual wage | 126 ($61,000) | 126 ($61,000) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anchorage, AK or Fairbanks, AK cheaper to live in?
Fairbanks, AK is cheaper overall by about 24 index points (Anchorage, AK: 110, Fairbanks, AK: 86; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Anchorage, AK vs Fairbanks, AK?
A single adult needs roughly $38,500/year in Anchorage, AK and $30,100/year in Fairbanks, AK to cover basic living costs.