Alaska · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK

The median household in Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK earns $88,267 a year ($7,356/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,676/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $67,040 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 3.2% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$88,267$7,356 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,676HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)103.2+3.2% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate28.2¢per kWh · EIA Residential AK
Census Population95,460Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,676Monthly market rent
Share of gross income22.8%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$67,040To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$2,207At 30% of $88,267
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Fairbanks North Star Borough, 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.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,156$13,872$46,24015.7%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,277$15,324$51,08017.4%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,676$20,112$67,04022.8%
3-Bedroom Home$2,331$27,972$93,24031.7%
4-Bedroom Home$2,812$33,744$112,48038.2%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK

Based on the local median household income of $88,267/year ($7,356/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$3,678/moRent ($1,676 2-BR), utilities (~$254/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$2,207/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 103.2 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,471/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

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.

$88,267
$35,000$180,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$88,267
Net 80%
Fed 12%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$70,926After all taxes
Monthly deposit$5,910Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,728Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate19.7%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$10,589 / yr
Alaska state income taxNo state wage tax$0
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$6,752 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Alaska with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK

What is the median household income in Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK is $88,267 per year (approximately $7,356 per month).

What is the average rent in Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Fairbanks North Star Borough, 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 North Star Borough, AK compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Fairbanks North Star Borough, 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 North Star Borough, AK?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,676/month) in Fairbanks North Star Borough, 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 North Star Borough, AK?

For a typical household earning the median income of $88,267/year ($7,356/month) in Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,678/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $2,207/month to discretionary spending, and $1,471/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Fairbanks North Star Borough, 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.