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Fairfield, MT vs Three Forks, MT

70
Fairfield
Montana
VS
-32.8%
104
Three Forks
Montana

The cost of living difference between Fairfield, MT and Three Forks, MT is dramatic. Fairfield is 32.8% cheaper than Three Forks, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fairfield has a cost index of 70 while Three Forks sits at 104, 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.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairfield is $683/month compared to $1,263/month in Three Forks — a 46% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairfield is more affordable at $203,000 median vs $382,400.

Median household income in Fairfield is $66,544 compared to $80,394 in Three Forks (-17.2%). The higher salaries in Three Forks partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairfield spend roughly 12.3% of their income on rent, less than the 18.9% in Three Forks.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (44.6°F vs 43°F). Fairfield receives more rainfall at 14.8" per year compared to 13.4" in Three Forks.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Fairfield
70
33% cheaper
Three Forks
104
Median Household Income
Fairfield
$66,544
Three Forks
$80,394
17% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Fairfield
$683
46% cheaper
Three Forks
$1,263
Median Home Value
Fairfield
$203,000
47% cheaper
Three Forks
$382,400
Population
Fairfield
746
Three Forks
2,034

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Fairfield $2.96
Three Forks $2.96
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Fairfield $2.41
Three Forks $2.41
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Fairfield $3.88
Three Forks $3.88
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Fairfield $1.79
Three Forks $1.79
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Fairfield $4.00
Three Forks $4.00
US $4.14
Electricity
Fairfield $0.14
Three Forks $0.14
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Fairfield 44.6°F
Three Forks 43°F
Summer High
Fairfield 84°F
Three Forks 85°F
Winter Low
Fairfield 15°F
Three Forks 10°F
Rainfall
Fairfield 14.8"
Three Forks 13.4"
Rainy Days
Fairfield 98d
Three Forks 107d