Fairmont, IL vs Mendota, IL

The cost of living difference between Fairmont, IL and Mendota, IL is dramatic. Mendota is 30.6% cheaper than Fairmont, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fairmont has a cost index of 90 while Mendota sits at 69, 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 $826/month in Mendota — a 66% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Mendota is more affordable at $121,100 median vs $147,400.

Median household income in Fairmont is $59,244 compared to $58,939 in Mendota (+0.5%). Fairmont does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairmont spend roughly 27.8% of their income on rent, more than the 16.8% in Mendota.

Climate-wise, Fairmont is notably warmer with an average of 52.1°F compared to 47.8°F in Mendota. Mendota receives more rainfall at 37.4" per year compared to 34.4" in Fairmont.