Fairmont, IL vs West Frankfort, IL

The cost of living difference between Fairmont, IL and West Frankfort, IL is dramatic. West Frankfort is 49.4% cheaper than Fairmont, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fairmont has a cost index of 90 while West Frankfort sits at 60, 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 $673/month in West Frankfort — a 104% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: West Frankfort is more affordable at $72,500 median vs $147,400.

Median household income in Fairmont is $59,244 compared to $48,143 in West Frankfort (+23.1%). 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 West Frankfort.

Climate-wise, West Frankfort is notably warmer with an average of 56.4°F compared to 52.1°F in Fairmont. West Frankfort receives more rainfall at 44" per year compared to 34.4" in Fairmont.