Ashton, IL vs Fairmont, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ashton is 21.2% cheaper than Fairmont. With a cost index of 71 vs 90, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Ashton to Fairmont should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ashton is $931/month compared to $1,372/month in Fairmont — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ashton is more affordable at $106,300 median vs $147,400.

Median household income in Ashton is $61,389 compared to $59,244 in Fairmont (+3.6%). Ashton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Ashton spend roughly 18.2% of their income on rent, less than the 27.8% in Fairmont.