Erie, IL vs Fairfield, IL

Fairfield is moderately more affordable than Erie, with a 13.2% lower cost of living index. Erie scores 66 compared to 58 for Fairfield, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Erie can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Erie is $740/month compared to $558/month in Fairfield — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairfield is more affordable at $91,800 median vs $147,300.

Median household income in Erie is $86,750 compared to $41,026 in Fairfield (+111.5%). While Erie is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Erie spend roughly 10.2% of their income on rent, less than the 16.3% in Fairfield.

Climate-wise, Fairfield is notably warmer with an average of 55.7°F compared to 49.9°F in Erie. Fairfield receives more rainfall at 41.7" per year compared to 36.2" in Erie.