Darwin, MN vs Fairfax, MN

The cost of living difference between Darwin, MN and Fairfax, MN is dramatic. Fairfax is 34.1% cheaper than Darwin, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Darwin has a cost index of 69 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 Darwin is $775/month compared to $410/month in Fairfax — a 89% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairfax is more affordable at $99,800 median vs $142,500.

Median household income in Darwin is $61,250 compared to $53,750 in Fairfax (+14%). Darwin 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 Darwin spend roughly 15.2% of their income on rent, more than the 9.2% in Fairfax.