Fairfax, IA vs Sully, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Sully is 21.2% cheaper than Fairfax. With a cost index of 75 vs 90, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Sully 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 $940/month in Sully — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sully is more affordable at $165,600 median vs $278,800.

Median household income in Fairfax is $120,552 compared to $86,576 in Sully (+39.2%). 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 13% in Sully.