Performance
Score Breakdown
Grand Rapids
Fairbanks
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Grand Rapids is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
25% lower compared to Fairbanks.
Housing costs are a major driver: Grand Rapids's average rent is
20% higher than Fairbanks's.
| Metric | Grand Rapids | Fairbanks | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,595 | $1,330 | +20% |
| Groceries | $425 | $858 | -50% |
| Utilities | $180 | $617 | -71% |
| Transport | $120 | $447 | -73% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $190 | +32% |
| Monthly Total | $2,570 | $3,442 | -25% |
| Cost Index | 104 | 123 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Grand Rapids offers 73% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Grand Rapids delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Grand Rapids is estimated at
$55,356 vs $53,196 in Fairbanks.
| Metric | Grand Rapids | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $69,014 | $39,915 |
| Salary Needed | $55,356 | $53,196 |
| Purchasing Power | 66,360 idx | 32,451 idx |
| Household Income | $69,108 | $73,534 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Grand Rapids | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 71.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Grand Rapids scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Grand Rapids leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Grand Rapids | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/10 | 24.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 32.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Grand Rapids is the larger city
— approximately 6.2x the population of Fairbanks.
From a growth perspective, Grand Rapids is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Grand Rapids has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Grand Rapids | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,117 | 32,083 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | % |
| Median Age | 32.3 | 29.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 4.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Grand Rapids
Advantages
The Grand Rapids metropolitan area's population grew by 0.4% in 2025, outpacing the statewide growth rate.
The average rent in Grand Rapids is $1,595 per month as of June 2026, which is 18% below the national average.
Grand Rapids' economy is projected to see employment growth between 1.0% and 1.6% in 2025.
The city's housing market is competitive, with homes selling in an average of 6 days as of May 2026.
Assisted living and nursing home care costs in Grand Rapids are below national averages, offering more affordable senior care options.
Drawbacks
Grand Rapids has a crime rate of 33 per one thousand residents, which is higher than 95% of communities in Michigan.
The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Grand Rapids is 1 in 111, higher than the Michigan state average.
Property crime is prevalent, with a 1 in 40 chance of being a victim of theft, burglary, or vandalism.
The overall cost of living in Grand Rapids is slightly above the national average, primarily driven by higher housing costs.
Despite job growth, the number of jobs in the Greater Grand Rapids region has remained mostly flat at around 600,000 for the last three years.
Fairbanks
Advantages
Fairbanks offers abundant outdoor recreational activities, from hiking and fishing in summer to aurora viewing and winter sports.
The average commute time in Fairbanks is shorter than the national average, at 19.2 minutes.
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital is a high-performing facility with patient satisfaction rates above the national average.
Summers feature nearly 24 hours of daylight, providing unique opportunities for gardening and extended outdoor enjoyment.
The community is close-knit and family-friendly, with various local events and cultural heritage celebrations.
Drawbacks
Fairbanks has a high crime rate, significantly above the national average for both violent and property crimes.
The cost of living is 23% higher than the national average, primarily due to very high utility and grocery costs.
Winters are long, dark, and intensely cold, with temperatures regularly dipping well below freezing.
Public transportation options are limited, and the city has a low walkability score, making car dependency high.
Job opportunities outside of major sectors like military, healthcare, and education can be limited.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Grand Rapids
#19Michigan, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,595
Avg Salary
$69,014
Cost Index
104
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
74
Business
70
Fairbanks
#42Alaska, USA
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,330
Avg Salary
$39,915
Cost Index
123
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
24.0/10
Walkability
32.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
68
Business
65
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