Is Denver, CO cheaper than Fairbanks, AK?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 17.5% more expensive than Fairbanks, AK. This translates to spending an extra $1315 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Fairbanks, AK?

If you earn $150,000 in Fairbanks, AK, you'd need approximately $165,778.616 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fairbanks, AK and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 57.2% more expensive than in Fairbanks, AK. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $961/month in Fairbanks, AK.

How much can I save per month by moving from Fairbanks, AK to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1315 more per month than Fairbanks, AK, or $15779 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fairbanks, AK vs Denver, CO: 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 $1.3K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $165.8K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 17.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,315

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$15.8K

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:118

Median Home:$513K

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!

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fairbanks, AK vs Denver, CO

Category	Fairbanks, AK	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,066/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,182more	57.2%
📦Other	$1,391/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $383more	27.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,084/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $377more	34.8%
⚡All Utilities	$714/mo	$519/mo	↓ $195less	27.3%
🏥Healthcare	$772/mo	$632/mo	↓ $140less	18.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,150/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $121less	10.5%

🏠Housing

↑ 57.2%

Fairbanks, AK

$2,066

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,182

📦Other

↑ 27.5%

Fairbanks, AK

$1,391

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$383

🚗Transportation

↑ 34.8%

Fairbanks, AK

$1,084

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$377

⚡All Utilities

↓ 27.3%

Fairbanks, AK

$714

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$195

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 18.1%

Fairbanks, AK

$772

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$140

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.5%

Fairbanks, AK

$1,150

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$121

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Fairbanks, AK has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$662

To$1,720

↑ $1,058

1 Bed

From$732

To$1,840

↑ $1,108

2 Bed

From$961

To$2,190

↑ $1,229

3 Bed

From$1,343

To$2,870

↑ $1,527

Fairbanks, AKZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,150–$1,200/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,487

Difference

Home Values

Fairbanks

Denver

$297K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -2.3%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +4.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$296K - $298K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 73% more expensive than Fairbanks

Calculate payment - Fairbanks Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $6.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$550

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.4%

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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Fairbanks, AK Tax Rates

Sales Tax:1.8%

Property Tax:0.9%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.