Fairmont, MN vs Scandia, MN

The cost of living difference between Fairmont, MN and Scandia, MN is dramatic. Fairmont is 34% cheaper than Scandia, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fairmont has a cost index of 69 while Scandia sits at 105, 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 $978/month in Scandia — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairmont is more affordable at $168,800 median vs $471,900.

Median household income in Fairmont is $59,228 compared to $100,179 in Scandia (-40.9%). While Scandia 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 11.7% in Scandia.