Fairmont, MN vs Ramsey, MN

The cost of living difference between Fairmont, MN and Ramsey, MN is dramatic. Fairmont is 41.7% cheaper than Ramsey, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fairmont has a cost index of 69 while Ramsey sits at 119, 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 $1,780/month in Ramsey — a 60% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairmont is more affordable at $168,800 median vs $345,000.

Median household income in Fairmont is $59,228 compared to $112,060 in Ramsey (-47.1%). While Ramsey 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, less than the 19.1% in Ramsey.