Fairmont, MN vs Pine Island, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fairmont is 21.6% cheaper than Pine Island. With a cost index of 69 vs 88, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fairmont to Pine Island should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairmont is $717/month compared to $959/month in Pine Island — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairmont is more affordable at $168,800 median vs $324,700.

Median household income in Fairmont is $59,228 compared to $91,612 in Pine Island (-35.3%). While Pine Island is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairmont spend roughly 14.5% of their income on rent, more than the 12.6% in Pine Island.