Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$73,534$6,128 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Fairbanks, AK
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Fairbanks, AK
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Fairbanks-College, AK MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,156 | $13,872 | $46,240 | 18.9% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,277 | $15,324 | $51,080 | 20.8% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,676 | $20,112 | $67,040 | 27.4% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,331 | $27,972 | $93,240 | 38% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,812 | $33,744 | $112,480 | 45.9% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Fairbanks, AK
Based on the local median household income of $73,534/year ($6,128/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Alaska
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Alaska state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Alaska with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Fairbanks, AK
What is the median household income in Fairbanks, AK?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Fairbanks, AK is $73,534 per year (approximately $6,128 per month).
What is the average rent in Fairbanks, AK?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Fairbanks, AK are $1,156 for a studio, $1,277 for 1 bedroom, $1,676 for 2 bedrooms, $2,331 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,812 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Fairbanks, AK compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Fairbanks, AK is 103.2 (3.2% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Fairbanks, AK?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,676/month) in Fairbanks, AK requires a minimum gross household income of $67,040 per year ($5,587 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Fairbanks, AK?
For a typical household earning the median income of $73,534/year ($6,128/month) in Fairbanks, AK, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,064/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,838/month to discretionary spending, and $1,226/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Fairbanks, AK?
Residential electricity rates in Alaska average 28.2¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $254 per month.