Performance
Score Breakdown
Montgomery
Fairbanks
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Montgomery is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
16% lower compared to Fairbanks.
| Metric | Montgomery | Fairbanks | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,485 | $1,464 | +1% |
| Groceries | $365 | $550 | -34% |
| Utilities | $215 | $617 | -65% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $187 | +34% |
| Monthly Total | $2,465 | $2,938 | -16% |
| Cost Index | 89 | 123 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Fairbanks offers 38% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Fairbanks delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Montgomery is estimated at
$55,000 vs $87,000 in Fairbanks.
| Metric | Montgomery | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $35,571 | $56,940 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $87,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 39,967 idx | 46,293 idx |
| Household Income | $56,811 | $73,534 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Montgomery | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 80.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Montgomery scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Montgomery leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Montgomery | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 22.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 26.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Montgomery is the larger city
— approximately 6.3x the population of Fairbanks.
From a growth perspective, Montgomery is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Montgomery has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Montgomery | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,494 | 31,282 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 36.6 | 29.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.00% | 4.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Montgomery
Advantages
The cost of living in Montgomery is 11% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Montgomery ranked #1 in Alabama for Capital Investment in New Projects in 2024, indicating a strong business environment.
The median home sale price of $205,000 (May 2026) is significantly lower than the national average, offering accessible homeownership.
The city offers diverse public transportation options, including fixed-route buses and on-demand micro-transit services.
Major hospitals like Baptist Medical Center East and South have received awards for specialized care, indicating quality healthcare services.
Drawbacks
Montgomery's crime rates are 47% higher than the Alabama average, posing a concern for residents.
The city has a low Walk Score of 26 and a Transit Score of 22, indicating high car dependency for most errands.
The median household income of $56,811 (2024) is lower than the national average.
Utilities in Montgomery are about 10% pricier than the U.S. average.
The city's population experienced a slight decline of -0.5% year-over-year in 2024.
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.
Montgomery
#90Alabama, USA
64.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,485
Avg Salary
$35,571
Cost Index
89
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
22.0/10
Walkability
26.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
65
Business
75
Fairbanks
#64Alaska, 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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