Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Fairbanks, AK?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 7.0% cheaper than Fairbanks, AK. This translates to saving $528 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Fairbanks, AK?

If you earn $150,000 in Fairbanks, AK, you'd need approximately $143,661.269 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fairbanks, AK and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 5.7% cheaper than in Fairbanks, AK. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $961/month in Fairbanks, AK.

How much can I save per month by moving from Fairbanks, AK to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Fairbanks, AK to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $528 per month, or $6339 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fairbanks, AK vs Indianapolis, IN: 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 save $528/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.7K in Indianapolis, IN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 7.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$528

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.3K

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

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:93

Median Home:$176K

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!

Indianapolis, IN

The Hoosier State

888K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 888K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fairbanks, AK vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Fairbanks, AK	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🛒Groceries	$1,150/mo	$919/mo	↓ $231less	20.1%
⚡All Utilities	$714/mo	$503/mo	↓ $211less	29.6%
📦Other	$1,391/mo	$1,590/mo	↑ $199more	14.3%
🏥Healthcare	$772/mo	$582/mo	↓ $190less	24.6%
🏠Housing	$2,066/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $117less	5.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,084/mo	$1,188/mo	↑ $104more	9.6%

🛒Groceries

↓ 20.1%

Fairbanks, AK

$1,150

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$231

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 29.6%

Fairbanks, AK

$714

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$211

less

📦Other

↑ 14.3%

Fairbanks, AK

$1,391

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$199

🏥Healthcare

↓ 24.6%

Fairbanks, AK

$772

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$190

less

🏠Housing

↓ 5.7%

Fairbanks, AK

$2,066

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$117

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 9.6%

Fairbanks, AK

$1,084

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$104

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Indianapolis, IN: Marion County Income Tax$3,030/yr (2.0%)

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$1,030

↑ $368

1 Bed

From$732

To$1,170

↑ $438

2 Bed

From$961

To$1,360

↑ $399

3 Bed

From$1,343

To$1,760

↑ $417

Fairbanks, AKZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,150–$1,200/mo

Indianapolis, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$1,870/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

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$446

Difference

Home Values

Fairbanks

Indianapolis

$297K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -2.3%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +4.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$296K - $298K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 41% less expensive than Fairbanks

Calculate payment - Fairbanks Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.8K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$404

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.2%

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

Indianapolis, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

Additional Tax Information

Fairbanks, AK Tax Rates

Sales Tax:1.8%

Property Tax:0.9%

Indianapolis, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.