Fairmont, MN vs Fridley, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fairmont is 29.2% cheaper than Fridley. With a cost index of 69 vs 98, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fairmont to Fridley should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairmont is $717/month compared to $1,270/month in Fridley — a 44% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairmont is more affordable at $168,800 median vs $277,100.

Median household income in Fairmont is $59,228 compared to $79,274 in Fridley (-25.3%). The higher salaries in Fridley partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairmont spend roughly 14.5% of their income on rent, less than the 19.2% in Fridley.