Fairfield, NE vs Thurston, NE

Fairfield, NE and Thurston, NE have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.3% difference in their overall index. Fairfield scores 64 while Thurston scores 61 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 $665/month in Thurston — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Thurston is more affordable at $108,600 median vs $122,500.

Median household income in Fairfield is $59,500 compared to $71,250 in Thurston (-16.5%). Thurston 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, more than the 11.2% in Thurston.

Climate-wise, Fairfield is notably warmer with an average of 51.9°F compared to 48.4°F in Thurston. Thurston receives more rainfall at 29.3" per year compared to 26.4" in Fairfield.