Performance
Score Breakdown
Alabaster
Fairbanks
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Alabaster is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
100% lower compared to Fairbanks.
Housing costs are a major driver: Alabaster's average rent is
100% lower than Fairbanks's.
| Metric | Alabaster | Fairbanks | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $0 | $1,464 | -100% |
| Groceries | $0 | $550 | -100% |
| Utilities | $0 | $617 | -100% |
| Transport | $0 | $120 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $187 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $0 | $2,938 | -100% |
| Cost Index | 123 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Fairbanks offers 100% lower average salaries.
| Metric | Alabaster | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $0 | $56,940 |
| Salary Needed | $0 | $87,000 |
| Household Income | $91,357 | $73,534 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Alabaster | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Fairbanks has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Alabaster.
For walkability, Alabaster leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Alabaster | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 31 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 10.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Alabaster is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Fairbanks.
From a growth perspective, Alabaster is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Alabaster has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Alabaster | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 35,014 | 31,282 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.77% | % |
| Median Age | 39.6 | 29.0 |
| Unemployment | 2.50% | 4.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Alabaster
Advantages
Alabaster boasts exceptionally low violent crime rates, significantly below the national average, contributing to a strong sense of safety.
The overall cost of living in Alabaster is lower than the national average.
The median household income in Alabaster ($91,357 in 2024) is higher than both the state and national averages.
Alabaster's public schools are highly rated, making it an attractive place for families.
The city has a thriving and diverse economy with a 2.5% employment growth rate from 2023 to 2024.
Drawbacks
Alabaster has a low walkability score, meaning most errands require a car.
Public transportation is not readily available in Alabaster.
The average commute time of 30-32 minutes is longer than the national average.
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance.
Limited nightlife and dining options compared to larger metropolitan areas.
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.
Alabaster
#5Alabama, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$0
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
Commute
31 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
10.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.77%
Unemployment
2.50%
Livability
75
Business
0
Fairbanks
#16Alaska, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,464
Avg Salary
$56,940
Cost Index
123
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
72
Business
65
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