Fairfax, MN vs Moose Lake, MN

The cost of living difference between Fairfax, MN and Moose Lake, MN is dramatic. Fairfax is 31.3% cheaper than Moose Lake, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fairfax has a cost index of 51 while Moose Lake sits at 75, 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 $901/month in Moose Lake — a 55% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairfax is more affordable at $99,800 median vs $205,000.

Median household income in Fairfax is $53,750 compared to $61,576 in Moose Lake (-12.7%). Moose Lake 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 17.6% in Moose Lake.