Fairmont, MN vs Oakdale, MN

The cost of living difference between Fairmont, MN and Oakdale, MN is dramatic. Fairmont is 34.5% cheaper than Oakdale, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fairmont has a cost index of 69 while Oakdale sits at 106, 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 $717/month compared to $1,452/month in Oakdale — a 51% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairmont is more affordable at $168,800 median vs $305,900.

Median household income in Fairmont is $59,228 compared to $90,379 in Oakdale (-34.5%). The higher salaries in Oakdale 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 19.3% in Oakdale.