Calmar, IA vs Fairfax, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Calmar is 24.2% cheaper than Fairfax. With a cost index of 69 vs 90, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Calmar to Fairfax should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Calmar is $684/month compared to $1,188/month in Fairfax — a 42% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Calmar is more affordable at $194,600 median vs $278,800.

Median household income in Calmar is $81,583 compared to $120,552 in Fairfax (-32.3%). 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 Calmar spend roughly 10.1% of their income on rent, less than the 11.8% in Fairfax.