Fairborn, OH vs Salem, OH

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Salem is 19.9% cheaper than Fairborn. With a cost index of 63 vs 76, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Salem to Fairborn should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairborn is $968/month compared to $771/month in Salem — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Salem is more affordable at $117,400 median vs $169,600.

Median household income in Fairborn is $55,966 compared to $50,250 in Salem (+11.4%). The higher salaries in Fairborn partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairborn spend roughly 20.8% of their income on rent, more than the 18.4% in Salem.