Fairmont, IL vs Gifford, IL

The cost of living difference between Fairmont, IL and Gifford, IL is dramatic. Gifford is 31.3% cheaper than Fairmont, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fairmont has a cost index of 90 while Gifford sits at 68, 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 Fairmont is $1,372/month compared to $742/month in Gifford — a 85% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Gifford has cheaper rent, Fairmont actually has lower median home values ($147,400 vs $170,500).

Median household income in Fairmont is $59,244 compared to $76,875 in Gifford (-22.9%). Gifford offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairmont spend roughly 27.8% of their income on rent, more than the 11.6% in Gifford.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (52.1°F vs 52.3°F). Gifford receives more rainfall at 40.4" per year compared to 34.4" in Fairmont.