Alaska · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, AK

The median household in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, AK earns $73,882 a year ($6,157/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,313/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $52,520 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 2.4% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$73,882$6,157 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,313HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)102.4+2.4% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate28.2¢per kWh · EIA Residential AK
Census Population7,068Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, AK

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

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,313Monthly market rent
Share of gross income21.3%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$52,520To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,847At 30% of $73,882
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, AK

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, AK. 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 Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, AK
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$942$11,304$37,68015.3%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,198$14,376$47,92019.5%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,313$15,756$52,52021.3%
3-Bedroom Home$1,826$21,912$73,04029.7%
4-Bedroom Home$2,162$25,944$86,48035.1%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, AK →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, AK

Based on the local median household income of $73,882/year ($6,157/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$3,078/moRent ($1,313 2-BR), utilities (~$254/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,847/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 102.4 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,231/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.

$73,882
$25,000$150,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$73,882
Net 82%
Fed 10%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$60,806After all taxes
Monthly deposit$5,067Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,339Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate17.7%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$7,424 / yr
Alaska state income taxNo state wage tax$0
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$5,652 / yr

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, AK

What is the median household income in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, AK?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, AK is $73,882 per year (approximately $6,157 per month).

What is the average rent in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, AK?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, AK are $942 for a studio, $1,198 for 1 bedroom, $1,313 for 2 bedrooms, $1,826 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,162 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, AK compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, AK is 102.4 (2.4% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, AK?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,313/month) in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, AK requires a minimum gross household income of $52,520 per year ($4,377 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, AK?

For a typical household earning the median income of $73,882/year ($6,157/month) in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, AK, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,078/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,847/month to discretionary spending, and $1,231/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, 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.