Fairfield, NE vs Laurel, NE

Fairfield, NE and Laurel, NE have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4% difference in their overall index. Fairfield scores 64 while Laurel scores 66 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 $713/month compared to $719/month in Laurel — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairfield is more affordable at $122,500 median vs $152,500.

Median household income in Fairfield is $59,500 compared to $56,250 in Laurel (+5.8%). Fairfield 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 14.4% of their income on rent, less than the 15.3% in Laurel.

Climate-wise, Fairfield is notably warmer with an average of 51.9°F compared to 48.7°F in Laurel. Laurel receives more rainfall at 28.7" per year compared to 26.4" in Fairfield.