Performance
Score Breakdown
Northport
Fairbanks
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Northport is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
5% lower compared to Fairbanks.
Housing costs are a major driver: Northport's average rent is
15% higher than Fairbanks's.
| Metric | Northport | Fairbanks | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,684 | $1,464 | +15% |
| Groceries | $450 | $550 | -18% |
| Utilities | $250 | $617 | -59% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $187 | +34% |
| Monthly Total | $2,784 | $2,938 | -5% |
| Cost Index | 87 | 123 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Fairbanks offers 22% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Northport delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Northport is estimated at
$45,000 vs $87,000 in Fairbanks.
| Metric | Northport | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $44,414 | $56,940 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $87,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 51,051 idx | 46,293 idx |
| Household Income | $80,913 | $73,534 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Northport | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 67.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Fairbanks has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Northport.
For walkability, Northport leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Northport | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 27.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Northport is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Northport is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Northport has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Northport | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 31,714 | 31,282 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.21% | % |
| Median Age | 36.8 | 29.0 |
| Unemployment | 2.10% | 4.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Northport
Advantages
The cost of living in Northport is 13% less than the national average, making it a highly affordable place to reside.
Northport ranks in the 68th percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than a majority of U.S. cities.
The city boasts a strong sense of community and a welcoming, small-town atmosphere.
Residents have access to numerous parks and outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and fishing.
The historic downtown district offers a vibrant arts scene, unique shops, and diverse dining experiences.
Drawbacks
Northport exhibits high car dependency, with limited public transportation options.
The city experienced a slight decline in overall employment at a rate of -0.243% from 2023 to 2024.
While generally safe, Northport's crime rate is higher than average when compared to other communities of similar population sizes.
Specific data for certain cost breakdowns, like monthly transit passes and home purchase price per square foot, are not readily available for recent years.
The walkability score of 27 indicates that most daily errands require a car.
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.
Northport
#9Alabama, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,684
Avg Salary
$44,414
Cost Index
87
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
27.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.21%
Unemployment
2.10%
Livability
76
Business
60
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Northport and Fairbanks.
Open Cost Calculator