Fairfax, IA vs Larchwood, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Larchwood is 23.4% cheaper than Fairfax. With a cost index of 73 vs 90, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Larchwood to Fairfax should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairfax is $1,188/month compared to $854/month in Larchwood — a 39% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Larchwood is more affordable at $189,700 median vs $278,800.

Median household income in Fairfax is $120,552 compared to $69,327 in Larchwood (+73.9%). 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 14.8% in Larchwood.