2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Brainerd, MN vs Fairbanks, AK

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Fairbanks older or younger than people in Brainerd?
- The Median Age in Fairbanks is 7.8 years younger than in Brainerd.

Are housing costs cheaper in Fairbanks or Brainerd?
- Fairbanks housing costs are 3.3% more expensive than Brainerd housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Fairbanks or Brainerd?
- The average commute for residents of Fairbanks is 5.9 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Brainerd.

Things to do in Brainerd?
Brainerd, MN is an inviting small city west of Minneapolis full of amazing places to explore like Brainerd International Raceway displaying its unique environment or Northland Arboretum offering fun rides and tour opportunities; they organize vivid festivals like Brainerd Jaycees Street Fest every August.

Things to do in Fairbanks?
Fairbanks AK rests close Arctic Circle famed principally for its natural sites such as Chena River State Recreation Area where visitors may take part in different water sports or simply enjoy some peace & tranquility while walking along sandy beaches!

 Brainerd, MNFairbanks, AKUnited States
 Population  Unlock33,018329,725,481
 Median Income$41,671  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock28.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$266,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time18.81  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Brainerd    5 Reviews

Research, research, research! Personal reviews don't give you the "whole" story! Whether the opinions are "glowing" or scathing do not base your opinion on them! Some  More

   |    Reply

No comment since you  More

   |    Reply

Over 14 years ago

Small town. Everyone knows everyone else's business. No work. Located in Crow Wing County and has highest unemployment rate in the state. Poor healthcare. Essentia  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Brainerd

Reviews for Fairbanks    20 Reviews

I have lived in the Fairbanks area for about 25 years and have become very comfortable with the community and the lifestyle here. That said, retirement is fast  More

   |    Reply

Over 14 years ago

Comments about Fairbanks, both positive and negative, are of interest to me. Was in Fairbanks this past March [and north on Cleary Summit] and fell in love with the  More

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

I came to Alaska 15 years ago on an adventure and first lived in Juneau, which I LOVED and then moved to Eagle River, which I loved and now live in Fairbanks! I do not  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Fairbanks


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.