Fairbanks, AK vs Merced, CA
Cost of Living Comparison
Merced, CA is more affordable by 4.9 index points
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Fairbanks, AK | Merced, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 103.2 | 98.3 | +4.9 |
| Housing | 92.6 | 78.6 | +13.9 |
| Goods | 107.3 | 105.2 | +2.2 |
| Utilities | 119.8 | 158.3 | -38.6 |
| Other Services | 103.3 | 100.3 | +3.1 |
Income & Housing Comparison
| Metric | Fairbanks, AK | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $81,655 | $64,772 |
| Median Home Value | $276,800 | $342,300 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,360 | $1,200 |
| Per Capita Income | $42,744 | $26,869 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairbanks, AK or Merced, CA cheaper to live in?
Merced, CA is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 4.9 index points (Fairbanks, AK: 103.2, Merced, CA: 98.3).
Where is housing cheaper, Fairbanks, AK or Merced, CA?
Housing is more affordable in Merced, CA. Housing index: Fairbanks, AK (92.6) vs Merced, CA (78.6).