Cromwell, MN vs Fairfax, MN

The cost of living difference between Cromwell, MN and Fairfax, MN is dramatic. Fairfax is 32.2% cheaper than Cromwell, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Cromwell has a cost index of 68 while Fairfax sits at 51, 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 Cromwell is $825/month compared to $410/month in Fairfax — a 101% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairfax is more affordable at $99,800 median vs $150,000.

Median household income in Cromwell is $55,625 compared to $53,750 in Fairfax (+3.5%). Cromwell does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Cromwell spend roughly 17.8% of their income on rent, more than the 9.2% in Fairfax.