Allison, IA vs Fairfax, IA

The cost of living difference between Allison, IA and Fairfax, IA is dramatic. Allison is 34.5% cheaper than Fairfax, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Allison has a cost index of 59 while Fairfax sits at 90, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Allison is $619/month compared to $1,188/month in Fairfax — a 48% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Allison is more affordable at $104,600 median vs $278,800.

Median household income in Allison is $64,306 compared to $120,552 in Fairfax (-46.7%). While Fairfax is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Allison spend roughly 11.6% of their income on rent, less than the 11.8% in Fairfax.