Fairfield, IA vs Marshalltown, IA

Fairfield, IA and Marshalltown, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.3% difference in their overall index. Fairfield scores 71 while Marshalltown scores 68 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairfield is $864/month compared to $864/month in Marshalltown — a 0% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Marshalltown is more affordable at $117,100 median vs $152,900.

Median household income in Fairfield is $48,302 compared to $68,854 in Marshalltown (-29.8%). Marshalltown 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 15.1% in Marshalltown.