Fairfax, IA vs Gladbrook, IA

The cost of living difference between Fairfax, IA and Gladbrook, IA is dramatic. Gladbrook is 37.1% cheaper than Fairfax, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fairfax has a cost index of 90 while Gladbrook sits at 66, 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 Fairfax is $1,188/month compared to $807/month in Gladbrook — a 47% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Gladbrook is more affordable at $117,200 median vs $278,800.

Median household income in Fairfax is $120,552 compared to $63,125 in Gladbrook (+91%). While Fairfax is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairfax spend roughly 11.8% of their income on rent, less than the 15.3% in Gladbrook.