Are you considering a move to Fairbanks, Alaska, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Fairbanks, Alaska is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Fairbanks, Alaska and help you understand whether $4067 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $4111.11.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
25.0 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
75.0 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
12.0 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
8.5 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
8.5 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
5.59 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
2.5 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
2.0 $ |
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Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.1 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
5.26 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
5.23 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
3.3 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
17.91 $ |
|
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Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
16.9 $ |
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|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
21.49 $ |
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Apples (1 lb) |
10.19 $ |
|
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Banana (1 lb) |
3.21 $ |
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Oranges (1 lb) |
10.47 $ |
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Tomato (1 lb) |
7.05 $ |
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|
Potato (1 lb) |
4.13 $ |
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Onion (1 lb) |
4.91 $ |
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Lettuce (1 head) |
2.95 $ |
|
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Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
2.0 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
15.0 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.73 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.0 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
11.09 $ |
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Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
1.5 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
40.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
1.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
2.17 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
40.0 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.07 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
27000.0 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
23666.67 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
172.5 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
114.0 $ |
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|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
100.0 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
-- |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
16.99 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
1860.0 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
-- |
|
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Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
58.33 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
45.0 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
50.0 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
-- |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
1650.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
1500.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
2266.67 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
2000.0 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
-- |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
-- |
|
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Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
4111.11 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
6.7 % |
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The monthly expenses for living in Fairbanks, Alaska come to a total of approximately $4067. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1650 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $229 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $1429 per month.
Living in Fairbanks, Alaska appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $4111.11. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Fairbanks, Alaska, you would likely need an income exceeding $4111.11.
In Fairbanks, Alaska, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $4111.11, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Fairbanks, Alaska is approximately $1650. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1500.0 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Fairbanks, Alaska can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $1214 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.
There's a medium risk here because crime rates aren't all that great and the inherent challenges of being 400 miles inland near the Arctic circle. It's not dangerous, per se, but it's definitely a place to get educated about before you go and we'll help you along with that.
There are plenty of options here by vehicle, air, train, and shuttle. The Metropolitan Area Commuter System (MACS) is the public transportation. What's great about this is the bus goes to just about all the tourist locations I'm going to tell you about — even the North Pole! Taxis are plentiful if you'd prefer to ride solo. There are several different vendors of air tours and shuttle trips, so do your research before you go.
The theft rate here is a little high, with a one in 35 chance of being a victim. Only seven reports of pickpockets were made in 2020, so that's a little more assuring (and the thieves got away with just $323 total). There's a low risk it will happen to you, but I'd be a little more cautious in this town than in some other areas.
Wildfires are a big risk here and the emergency management team in this area is well prepared for the risks. It's important to know if you're traveling here in the summer, the smoke from wildfires can get stalled over Fairbanks, impacting air quality. The winter can also bring big winter storms and potentially deadly cold temperatures if you aren't prepared for it.
There were four robberies labeled as "highway robberies", which means they happened in a public place. The risk is low, but it's a good reminder to avoid expensive bags, wearing valuable jewelry, or flashing around cash.
If I could have a category between medium and low, I would use that ranking. We'll call it low-mediumish. Here's the thing. Fairbanks is a transportation hub and terrorists have been known to hit mass transit systems. The Alaska Pipeline is also just 50 miles away. If a strike happened here, so many people would be tourists without cars, it would be hard to evacuate. However, since there's no port here, that could also lower the risk.
I really thought there would be scams against tourists here since it's such a popular place, but this city gets the same old scams as the lower 48 that target residents. The best word of caution is to be sure to book an excursion through your cruise line if possible, so you know it's a licensed and safe adventure. If you're just flying here, ask your hotel for the most reliable tours.
If women are prepared for the winter cold and can handle the rough edges of a deep-inland Alaska community, they should be just fine with low risk.
The tap water here passed all necessary inspections without violations, so there's a low risk. If you research this, there has been a contamination issue in the past, which tells me the area is vulnerable to it. You should check the Gold Heart Utilities website when you arrive to see if there are any water advisories.
The Visa and proof of home country citizenship happens at the port if you took a cruise ship, or at the airport. If you are a U.S. Citizen, you don't need a passport. Should any part of your trip take you to Canada, you'll need a passport for that. You don't have to do additional processing to be in Fairbanks.
You'll use the U.S. Dollar here. Fairbanks has a handful of currency exchanges in town. Pay for what you can in advance so you don't have to pull your wallet out as much (and take the glove off your hand in the cold). One credit card should suffice here, and be sure to let your bank know you'll be traveling so you don't get a fraud alert while making purchases.
Temperatures are at or near single digital for daytime highs from November through February. Expect daily lows in this range to be below freezing. Spring brings temperatures between the 40s and 60s for highs and down to the 20s for lows. Summer warms up to an incredible mid-70s for highs (I can't say "During the day" because it's "day" 22 hours through much of the summer) and the upper-40s or low-50s for highs. Remember to study up on cold-weather attire.
Fairbanks Airport is your only option unless you're taking a smaller plan to get back to the cruise ship. It's right on the southwest side of town. The Anchorage airport is nearly a seven-hour drive south.
You'll want to get travel insurance for a trip to a place this isolated. Snow, smog, fog, and mechanical issues in the cold can cause delays or cancellations. Be prepared with travel insurance.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 3°F | 11°F | 26°F | 45°F | 61°F | 71°F | 72°F | 66°F | 54°F | 33°F | 11°F | 4°F |
| Temp | -6°F | 0°F | 12°F | 33°F | 51°F | 61°F | 63°F | 56°F | 45°F | 25°F | 4°F | -4°F |
| Low | -13°F | -8°F | 2°F | 23°F | 40°F | 51°F | 54°F | 48°F | 37°F | 19°F | -2°F | -11°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | -16°C | -11°C | -3°C | 7°C | 16°C | 21°C | 22°C | 18°C | 12°C | 0°C | -11°C | -15°C |
| Temp | -21°C | -17°C | -11°C | 0°C | 10°C | 16°C | 17°C | 13°C | 7°C | -3°C | -15°C | -20°C |
| Low | -25°C | -22°C | -16°C | -5°C | 4°C | 10°C | 12°C | 8°C | 2°C | -7°C | -18°C | -23°C |