Fairfax, SD vs Mountain Plains, SD

The cost of living difference between Fairfax, SD and Mountain Plains, SD is dramatic. Fairfax is 50.1% cheaper than Mountain Plains, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fairfax has a cost index of 61 while Mountain Plains sits at 121, 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.

When it comes to buying, median home values in Fairfax are $62,000 compared to $606,100 in Mountain Plains, a 90% gap.

Median household income in Fairfax is $66,875 compared to $166,641 in Mountain Plains (-59.9%). While Mountain Plains is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income.

Climate-wise, Fairfax is notably warmer with an average of 50.2°F compared to 41.1°F in Mountain Plains. Mountain Plains receives more rainfall at 29.2" per year compared to 19.5" in Fairfax.