Fairfax, MN vs Montgomery, MN

The cost of living difference between Fairfax, MN and Montgomery, MN is dramatic. Fairfax is 37.2% cheaper than Montgomery, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fairfax has a cost index of 51 while Montgomery sits at 82, 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 $410/month compared to $896/month in Montgomery — a 54% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairfax is more affordable at $99,800 median vs $218,900.

Median household income in Fairfax is $53,750 compared to $74,018 in Montgomery (-27.4%). The higher salaries in Montgomery partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairfax spend roughly 9.2% of their income on rent, less than the 14.5% in Montgomery.