CostByCity

Des Moines, IA vs Fairbanks, AK

Cost of Living Comparison

Des Moines, IA is more affordable by 11.5 index points

Side-by-Side Comparison

CategoryDes Moines, IAFairbanks, AKDifference
Overall91.7103.2-11.5
Housing84.792.6-7.8
Goods93.7107.3-13.6
Utilities84.6119.8-35.2
Other Services92.9103.3-10.4

Income & Housing Comparison

MetricDes Moines, IAFairbanks, AK
Median Household Income$81,103$81,655
Median Home Value$235,800$276,800
Median Monthly Rent$1,063$1,360
Per Capita Income$42,742$42,744

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Des Moines, IA or Fairbanks, AK cheaper to live in?
Des Moines, IA is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 11.5 index points (Des Moines, IA: 91.7, Fairbanks, AK: 103.2).
Where is housing cheaper, Des Moines, IA or Fairbanks, AK?
Housing is more affordable in Des Moines, IA. Housing index: Des Moines, IA (84.7) vs Fairbanks, AK (92.6).