salaryFairbanks is the 2nd-largest city in Alaska that we track, with 32,083 residents. Rent is higher than in 55% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 3.4 years of household income. Commutes are short, about 14.5 minutes. Most households rent (60%), so there are plenty of rental options.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $70,040 a year. That is $34 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Alaska cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Alaska. It is number 18 of 24 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Fairbanks?
Share of households by yearly income. 20.9% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Fairbanks
| Size | Fairbanks | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,020 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,176 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,553 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,166 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,437 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Fairbanks overall?
Everyday prices in the Fairbanks-College metro area are 3% above the U.S. average (index 103.2, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Fairbanks
Life in Fairbanks
What jobs pay in Fairbanks
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $173,340 | 12.1% |
| Physician Assistant | $164,910 | 12.7% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $144,300 | 14.6% |
| Dental Hygienist | $131,860 | 15.9% |
| Lawyer | $129,660 | 16.2% |
| Operations Manager | $114,990 | 18.3% |
| Civil Engineer | $111,080 | 18.9% |
| Police Officer | $105,370 | 19.9% |
| Software Developer | $101,260 | 20.8% |
| Electrician | $97,860 | 21.5% |
| Plumber | $96,670 | 21.7% |
| HVAC Technician | $93,820 | 22.4% |
| Carpenter | $84,970 | 24.7% |
| Accountant | $82,500 | 25.5% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $80,530 | 26.1% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $79,160 | 26.5% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $76,690 | 27.4% |
| Truck Driver | $76,560 | 27.4% |
| Market Research Analyst | $56,920 | 36.9% |
| Medical Assistant | $52,140 | 40.3% |
| Firefighter | $50,840 | 41.3% |
| Customer Service Representative | $44,980 | 46.7% |
| Warehouse Worker | $44,820 | 46.9% |
| Restaurant Cook | $40,150 | 52.3% |
| Retail Salesperson | $37,550 | 56.0% |
| Cashier | $37,340 | 56.3% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $26,530 | 79.2% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Fairbanks?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $111 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $268,400 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $26,840 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Fairbanks, AK?
Renting in Fairbanks costs a median of about $1,751 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Alaska median is $1,651.
How much do I need to make to live in Fairbanks?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $70,040 a year, or $34 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Fairbanks cheap or expensive?
Fairbanks is rated OK: rent takes 26.5% of the typical household income of $79,306. It ranks 18th cheapest of 24 Alaska cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Fairbanks?
The median homeowner in Fairbanks pays $3,313 a year in property taxes, about 1.23% of the median home value.
Is Fairbanks more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 3% above the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Fairbanks?
The median home value in Fairbanks is $268,400, about 3.4 times the typical yearly household income.
32,083 people live in Fairbanks. Numbers are typical (middle) values.