Fairfax, MN vs Jackson, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fairfax is 20.7% cheaper than Jackson. With a cost index of 51 vs 65, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fairfax to Jackson should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairfax is $410/month compared to $702/month in Jackson — a 42% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairfax is more affordable at $99,800 median vs $118,900.

Median household income in Fairfax is $53,750 compared to $57,328 in Jackson (-6.2%). Jackson does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairfax spend roughly 9.2% of their income on rent, less than the 14.7% in Jackson.