Fairfield, IA vs Fort Dodge, IA

Fort Dodge is moderately more affordable than Fairfield, with a 7.6% lower cost of living index. Fairfield scores 71 compared to 66 for Fort Dodge, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Fairfield can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairfield is $864/month compared to $764/month in Fort Dodge — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fort Dodge is more affordable at $128,900 median vs $152,900.

Median household income in Fairfield is $48,302 compared to $61,769 in Fort Dodge (-21.8%). Fort Dodge offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairfield spend roughly 21.5% of their income on rent, more than the 14.8% in Fort Dodge.