Chaska, MN vs Fairmont, MN

The cost of living difference between Chaska, MN and Fairmont, MN is dramatic. Fairmont is 60.7% cheaper than Chaska, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Chaska has a cost index of 111 while Fairmont sits at 69, 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 Chaska is $1,436/month compared to $717/month in Fairmont — a 100% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairmont is more affordable at $168,800 median vs $379,400.

Median household income in Chaska is $110,000 compared to $59,228 in Fairmont (+85.7%). While Chaska is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Chaska spend roughly 15.7% of their income on rent, more than the 14.5% in Fairmont.