Buffalo, IA vs Fairfax, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Buffalo is 27% cheaper than Fairfax. With a cost index of 66 vs 90, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Buffalo to Fairfax should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Buffalo is $821/month compared to $1,188/month in Fairfax — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Buffalo is more affordable at $120,400 median vs $278,800.

Median household income in Buffalo is $74,773 compared to $120,552 in Fairfax (-38%). 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 Buffalo spend roughly 13.2% of their income on rent, more than the 11.8% in Fairfax.