Fairmont, NC vs Selma, NC

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fairmont is 17% cheaper than Selma. With a cost index of 60 vs 73, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fairmont to Selma should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairmont is $662/month compared to $824/month in Selma — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairmont is more affordable at $88,500 median vs $161,100.

Median household income in Fairmont is $36,493 compared to $37,440 in Selma (-2.5%). Selma does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairmont spend roughly 21.8% of their income on rent, less than the 26.4% in Selma.