Performance
Score Breakdown
Tigard
Fairbanks
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Tigard is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
5% lower compared to Fairbanks.
Housing costs are a major driver: Tigard's average rent is
23% higher than Fairbanks's.
| Metric | Tigard | 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 | 121 | 123 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tigard offers 14% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Tigard delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Tigard is estimated at
$55,000 vs $87,000 in Fairbanks.
| Metric | Tigard | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $56,940 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $87,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 53,719 idx | 46,293 idx |
| Household Income | $108,823 | $73,534 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Tigard | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 73.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Fairbanks has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Tigard.
Tigard scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Tigard leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Tigard | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 70.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Tigard is the larger city
— approximately 1.8x the population of Fairbanks.
From a growth perspective, Tigard is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Tigard has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Tigard | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 56,011 | 31,282 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.00% | % |
| Median Age | 39.4 | 29.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 4.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Tigard
Advantages
Tigard boasts a strong economy with a high number of local jobs and a short commute to major employment centers like Silicon Forest and downtown Portland.
The city offers an exceptional quality of life, with a livability score of 87 out of 100, ranking in the 99th percentile of all US cities.
Tigard provides abundant green spaces, including over 16 miles of paved trails and nearly 550 acres of parks, such as Cook Park and the Fanno Creek Trail.
Healthcare and utilities costs are lower than in most U.S. cities, contributing to overall affordability despite higher housing costs.
The public schools in Tigard are highly rated, making it a desirable location for families.
Drawbacks
Tigard has a higher overall crime rate compared to the national average, primarily driven by property crime in commercial areas.
The cost of living in Tigard is significantly higher than the national average, particularly due to housing expenses.
Traffic congestion on major routes like US 217 and Highway 99W can be very heavy during rush hour.
Despite public transit options, Tigard is largely car-dependent, with limited light rail access in many areas.
Some commercial corridors in Tigard can feel dated, and the city may have a less distinct community identity compared to some other suburbs.
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.
Tigard
#21Oregon, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
121
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
70.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.00%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
87
Business
68
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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