City Comparison
Wasilla vs Fairbanks
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Wasilla scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Wasilla
Fairbanks
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
| Metric | Wasilla | Fairbanks | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,995 | $1,464 | +36% |
| Groceries | $400 | $550 | -27% |
| Utilities | $180 | $617 | -71% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $187 | +34% |
| Monthly Total | $2,945 | $2,938 | 0% |
| Cost Index | 122 | 123 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Wasilla offers 18% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Wasilla delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Wasilla is estimated at
$55,000 vs $87,000 in Fairbanks.
| Metric | Wasilla | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $67,234 | $56,940 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $87,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 55,110 idx | 46,293 idx |
| Household Income | $67,234 | $73,534 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Wasilla runs warmer on average — a 39.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Wasilla comes out ahead with 220 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Wasilla sees 84.9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Wasilla | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 39.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 65.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 17.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 45.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 84.90 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 220 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Fairbanks has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,500 minutes (92 hours) per year compared to Wasilla.
Wasilla scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Wasilla leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Wasilla | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 30 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | — |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | — |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Fairbanks is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Wasilla.
From a growth perspective, Wasilla is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Wasilla has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Wasilla | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,720 | 31,282 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.81% | — |
| Median Age | 34.8 | 29.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 4.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Wasilla
Advantages
Median property values and overall housing costs remain more accessible than in nearby Anchorage.
Statewide absence of personal income tax and state sales tax helps offset higher daily living expenses.
Unmatched access to world-class outdoor recreation, including fishing, hiking, and winter sports.
Robust local medical infrastructure anchored by the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.
Strong community spirit and family-oriented neighborhoods with rich cultural heritage.
Drawbacks
Harsh winter conditions with heavy seasonal snowfall averaging 84.9 inches require rigorous preparedness.
High reliance on automobiles with significant traffic congestion along the Parks Highway during peak commutes.
Elevated utility and grocery costs driven by long-distance shipping logistics to Alaska.
Property crime rates that trend slightly above national averages for similarly sized communities.
Limited public transit infrastructure, making personal vehicle ownership an absolute necessity.
Fairbanks
Advantages
Average rent in Fairbanks is 20% lower than the national average, making it more affordable for renters.
The housing market is a strong seller's market, with homes selling for 102.11% of the asking price in March 2026.
Job growth is forecasted at 0.8% for 2026, with significant growth in healthcare and transportation sectors.
Fairbanks offers unparalleled access to outdoor activities and a strong sense of community.
The median age of 29 years indicates a relatively young and dynamic population.
Drawbacks
The overall cost of living in Fairbanks is 23% higher than the national average.
Utility prices are significantly higher, approximately 112% above the national average.
Grocery prices are 23% higher than the national average.
The city's population is projected to decline by -0.59% annually.
Government jobs are forecasted to decline, impacting a significant employment sector.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Wasilla
#466Alaska, USA
54.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,995
Avg Salary
$67,234
Cost Index
122
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
220/yr
Avg Temp
39.90°F
Pop. Growth
2.81%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
75
Business
70
Fairbanks
#592Alaska, USA
42.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,464
Avg Salary
$56,940
Cost Index
123
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
—
Walkability
—
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
72
Business
65
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