Fairmount, ND vs New Salem, ND

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fairmount is 23.8% cheaper than New Salem. With a cost index of 55 vs 72, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fairmount to New Salem should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairmount is $567/month compared to $866/month in New Salem — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairmount is more affordable at $79,300 median vs $173,400.

Median household income in Fairmount is $55,313 compared to $69,750 in New Salem (-20.7%). The higher salaries in New Salem partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairmount spend roughly 12.3% of their income on rent, less than the 14.9% in New Salem.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (44°F vs 43.1°F). Fairmount receives more rainfall at 22.9" per year compared to 19.1" in New Salem.