City Comparison
Cordova vs Fairbanks
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Cordova scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Cordova
Fairbanks
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Cordova is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
5% lower compared to Fairbanks.
Housing costs are a major driver: Cordova's average rent is
23% higher than Fairbanks's.
| Metric | Cordova | Fairbanks | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,464 | +23% |
| Groceries | $450 | $550 | -18% |
| Utilities | $180 | $617 | -71% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $187 | +34% |
| Monthly Total | $2,800 | $2,938 | -5% |
| Cost Index | 120 | 123 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cordova offers 14% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Cordova delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Cordova is estimated at
$55,000 vs $87,000 in Fairbanks.
| Metric | Cordova | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $56,940 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $87,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 54,167 idx | 46,293 idx |
| Household Income | $85,132 | $73,534 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Cordova runs warmer on average — a 39.6°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Cordova comes out ahead with 144 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Cordova sees 261.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Cordova | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 39.60°F | °F |
| Summer High | 60.50°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 19.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 118.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 261.40 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 144 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Cordova has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Fairbanks.
Cordova scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Cordova leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Cordova | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 7 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Fairbanks is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Cordova.
From a growth perspective, Cordova is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Cordova has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Cordova | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,353 | 31,282 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 37.8 | 29.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 4.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Cordova
Advantages
Cordova boasts a crime rate significantly lower than the national and state averages, making it one of the safest places to live in Alaska.
The town offers a high quality of life with a livability score of 76/100, exceptional access to outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community.
Alaska's tax-friendly environment, with no state sales or income tax, can help offset some of the higher costs associated with living in Cordova.
Cordova's median household income of $85,132 is higher than the national average, indicating a relatively strong earning potential for residents.
The community is deeply connected to its natural surroundings, offering a unique lifestyle for those who value outdoor activities and a close relationship with the environment.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Cordova is approximately 20% higher than the U.S. national average, primarily due to elevated housing, transportation, and food costs.
Cordova's remote location means it is not connected to the state's road system, requiring travel by plane or ferry, which can be costly and time-consuming.
While Cordova has a critical access hospital, specialized medical care often requires travel to larger cities like Anchorage, impacting healthcare accessibility.
Housing costs, including both home prices and rent, are significantly higher than the national average, making affordability a challenge for some residents.
Job growth and diversity may be limited due to the town's small size and reliance on a few key industries, potentially impacting career advancement opportunities.
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.
Cordova
#69Alaska, USA
60.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
120
Commute
7 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
144/yr
Avg Temp
39.60°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
74
Business
68
Fairbanks
#131Alaska, USA
49.3 / 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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