Clinton, IA vs Fairfield, IA

Clinton is moderately more affordable than Fairfield, with a 9.2% lower cost of living index. Clinton scores 64 compared to 71 for Fairfield, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Fairfield can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Clinton is $751/month compared to $864/month in Fairfield — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Clinton is more affordable at $115,400 median vs $152,900.

Median household income in Clinton is $57,493 compared to $48,302 in Fairfield (+19%). Clinton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Clinton spend roughly 15.7% of their income on rent, less than the 21.5% in Fairfield.