Fairfax, IA vs Lansing, IA

The cost of living difference between Fairfax, IA and Lansing, IA is dramatic. Lansing is 47.2% cheaper than Fairfax, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fairfax has a cost index of 90 while Lansing sits at 61, 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 $581/month in Lansing — a 105% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lansing is more affordable at $145,800 median vs $278,800.

Median household income in Fairfax is $120,552 compared to $49,537 in Lansing (+143.4%). 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 14.1% in Lansing.