Fairfax, VT vs Rochester, VT

Rochester is moderately more affordable than Fairfax, with a 12.8% lower cost of living index. Fairfax scores 94 compared to 84 for Rochester, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Fairfax can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairfax is $1,009/month compared to $919/month in Rochester — a 10% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Rochester is more affordable at $251,500 median vs $348,600.

Median household income in Fairfax is $56,667 compared to $36,932 in Rochester (+53.4%). While Fairfax is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairfax spend roughly 21.4% of their income on rent, less than the 29.9% in Rochester.