Fairfax, MN vs Upsala, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fairfax is 21.1% cheaper than Upsala. 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 Upsala should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairfax is $410/month compared to $725/month in Upsala — a 43% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairfax is more affordable at $99,800 median vs $143,400.

Median household income in Fairfax is $53,750 compared to $61,250 in Upsala (-12.2%). The higher salaries in Upsala 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 14.2% in Upsala.