Fairmont, MN vs Plainview, MN

Fairmont is moderately more affordable than Plainview, with a 7.6% lower cost of living index. Fairmont scores 69 compared to 75 for Plainview, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Plainview can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairmont is $717/month compared to $774/month in Plainview — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairmont is more affordable at $168,800 median vs $230,600.

Median household income in Fairmont is $59,228 compared to $69,800 in Plainview (-15.1%). While Plainview 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 13.3% in Plainview.