⚡ Featured Deal
Essentials for Your New Home
🛒 Shop This Deal NowAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Fairbanks, AK Utility & Living Guide
Fairbanks is a home rule city and the borough seat of the Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, United States. Fairbanks is the largest city in the interior region of Alaska and the second most populous in the state. The 2020 census put the population of the city proper at 32,515 and the population
Monthly Utility Costs
$151/mo
—
$30/mo
$30/mo
$70/mo
Housing Market
| Rent & Property | |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1100/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1400/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1800/mo |
| Median Home Price | $270,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.15% |
| Avg Childcare/mo | $1200 |
The housing market in Fairbanks is relatively stable, with a mix of older and newer homes available for rent or purchase. However, the market can be competitive due to the presence of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Rentals may be scarce during the summer months when students are looking for housing.
Cost of Living
105
+5% above national average
108
94
102
$1200
Tax Rates
| Tax Overview | |
|---|---|
| Property Tax Rate | 1.15% |
| <p>No state sales tax, but some local taxes may apply</p> | |
Alaska has no state income tax, but residents may still be required to file federal income tax returns
Family & Relocation
55
7.2/10
$1200/mo
City Pulse
The Macsen Transit System provides public transportation in Fairbanks, but it may not be entirely stroller-friendly due to limited accessibility features on some buses
- University of Alaska Museum of the North
- Fairbanks Children's Museum
- Chena Hot Springs Resort
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Household Budget Calculator
Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Fairbanks based on your household profile.
📰 Live Local News
Residents are subject to local ordinances regarding zoning, noise, and waste disposal
Financial Tools
- Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
- Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
- Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
- Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city
- Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
- Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
- Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
- City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side
Find Another City Guide
Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.
📊 Fairbanks — Census & Demographic Data
Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.
☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs
Utility costs in Fairbanks can fluctuate significantly depending on the season, with higher electricity bills in the winter due to heating needs and lower bills in the summer. Additionally, some residents may choose to use alternative heating sources, such as wood or propane, to reduce their energy costs.
🏛️ Local Tax Details
The Fairbanks North Star Borough has a property tax millage rate of 4.5 mills, with some local surtaxes applying to specific areas or services
👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness
6/10, with explanation: while Fairbanks has some sidewalks and parks, the city's infrastructure can be challenging for stroller navigation due to snow and ice in the winter, and limited elevator access in some public buildings
Alaska Living Report — July 27, 2026
Alaska is a land of superlatives—the largest state by area, the northernmost in the nation, and home to...
Read more →
Alaska Living Report — July 26, 2026
Alaska has long occupied a singular space in the American imagination, conjuring images of untouched wilderness, midnight sun,...
Read more →
Alaska Living Report — July 25, 2026
Alaska is a land of extremes, from its vast, untamed wilderness to its unique urban hubs. Home to...
Read more →
Alaska Living Report — July 24, 2026
With a population of just 734,821 spread across a landmass larger than Texas, California, and Montana combined, Alaska...
Read more →
Get your home essentials, storage, and moving supplies delivered.
Shop Moving EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.