Fairfield, IA vs Johnston, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fairfield is 29.4% cheaper than Johnston. With a cost index of 71 vs 100, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fairfield to Johnston should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairfield is $864/month compared to $1,288/month in Johnston — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairfield is more affordable at $152,900 median vs $346,200.

Median household income in Fairfield is $48,302 compared to $103,430 in Johnston (-53.3%). While Johnston is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairfield spend roughly 21.5% of their income on rent, more than the 14.9% in Johnston.