Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Fairbanks, AK?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 4.9% cheaper than Fairbanks, AK. This translates to saving $368 per month.

What salary do I need in Pittsburgh, PA to live like I do in Fairbanks, AK?

If you earn $150,000 in Fairbanks, AK, you'd need approximately $145,584.517 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fairbanks, AK and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 5.7% cheaper than in Fairbanks, AK. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $961/month in Fairbanks, AK.

How much can I save per month by moving from Fairbanks, AK to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving from Fairbanks, AK to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $368 per month, or $4415 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fairbanks, AK vs Pittsburgh, PA: 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 $368/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.6K in Pittsburgh, PA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 4.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$368

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.4K

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

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:95

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!

Pittsburgh, PA

The Keystone State

303K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 303K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fairbanks, AK vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Fairbanks, AK	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏥Healthcare	$772/mo	$527/mo	↓ $245less	31.8%
📦Other	$1,391/mo	$1,607/mo	↑ $216more	15.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,150/mo	$989/mo	↓ $161less	14.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,084/mo	$1,216/mo	↑ $132more	12.1%
🏠Housing	$2,066/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $117less	5.7%
⚡All Utilities	$714/mo	$607/mo	↓ $107less	15.0%

🏥Healthcare

↓ 31.8%

Fairbanks, AK

$772

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$245

less

📦Other

↑ 15.5%

Fairbanks, AK

$1,391

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$216

🛒Groceries

↓ 14.0%

Fairbanks, AK

$1,150

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$161

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 12.1%

Fairbanks, AK

$1,084

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$132

🏠Housing

↓ 5.7%

Fairbanks, AK

$2,066

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$117

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 15.0%

Fairbanks, AK

$714

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$107

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh Earned Income Tax$4,500/yr (3.0%)

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$750

↑ $88.00

1 Bed

From$732

To$850

↑ $118

2 Bed

From$961

To$1,050

↑ $89.00

3 Bed

From$1,343

To$1,400

↑ $57.00

Fairbanks, AKZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,150–$1,200/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

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$283

Difference

Home Values

Fairbanks

Pittsburgh

$297K

Median Value

↓ -2.3%

YoY Change

↑ +4.3%

5-Year Change

$296K - $298K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Fairbanks

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$384

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.1%

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

Pittsburgh, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Additional Tax Information

Fairbanks, AK Tax Rates

Sales Tax:1.8%

Property Tax:0.9%

Pittsburgh, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 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.