Is Austin, TX cheaper than Fairbanks, AK?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 10.1% more expensive than Fairbanks, AK. This translates to spending an extra $754 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Fairbanks, AK?

If you earn $150,000 in Fairbanks, AK, you'd need approximately $159,047.25 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fairbanks, AK and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 39.6% more expensive than in Fairbanks, AK. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $961/month in Fairbanks, AK.

How much can I save per month by moving from Fairbanks, AK to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $754 more per month than Fairbanks, AK, or $9047 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fairbanks, AK vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Fairbanks, AK — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Anchorage, AK area

Current salary in Fairbanks, AK

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $754/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.0K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 10.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$754

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$9.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Fairbanks, AK

Population:32K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$297K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:110

Median Home:$558K

Fairbanks, AK

The Last Frontier

32K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Alaska, this city has a population of 32K residents.

💡 Advantage: Alaska has no state income tax!

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fairbanks, AK vs Austin, TX

Category	Fairbanks, AK	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,066/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $818more	39.6%
📦Other	$1,391/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $350more	25.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,084/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $200more	18.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,150/mo	$959/mo	↓ $191less	16.6%
🏥Healthcare	$772/mo	$589/mo	↓ $183less	23.8%
⚡All Utilities	$714/mo	$541/mo	↓ $173less	24.2%

🏠Housing

↑ 39.6%

Fairbanks, AK

$2,066

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$818

📦Other

↑ 25.1%

Fairbanks, AK

$1,391

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$350

🚗Transportation

↑ 18.4%

Fairbanks, AK

$1,084

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$200

🛒Groceries

↓ 16.6%

Fairbanks, AK

$1,150

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$191

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 23.8%

Fairbanks, AK

$772

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$183

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 24.2%

Fairbanks, AK

$714

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$173

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$662

To$1,585

↑ $923

1 Bed

From$732

To$1,685

↑ $953

2 Bed

From$961

To$1,995

↑ $1,034

3 Bed

From$1,343

To$2,525

↑ $1,182

Fairbanks, AKZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,150–$1,200/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,178

Monthly in Fairbanks, AK

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$821

Difference

Home Values

Fairbanks

Austin

$297K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -2.3%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +4.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$296K - $298K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 88% more expensive than Fairbanks

Calculate payment - Fairbanks Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Fairbanks, AK

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Alaska State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Fairbanks, AK Tax Rates

Sales Tax:1.8%

Property Tax:0.9%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.