Fairfax, IA vs Winthrop, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Winthrop is 21.5% cheaper than Fairfax. With a cost index of 74 vs 90, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Winthrop 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 $1,000/month in Winthrop — a 19% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Winthrop is more affordable at $149,200 median vs $278,800.

Median household income in Fairfax is $120,552 compared to $64,904 in Winthrop (+85.7%). 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 18.5% in Winthrop.