Fairplay, CO vs Merino, CO

The cost of living difference between Fairplay, CO and Merino, CO is dramatic. Merino is 43.4% cheaper than Fairplay, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fairplay has a cost index of 120 while Merino sits at 84, 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 Fairplay is $1,634/month compared to $1,159/month in Merino — a 41% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Merino is more affordable at $161,300 median vs $411,000.

Median household income in Fairplay is $82,031 compared to $63,125 in Merino (+30%). The higher salaries in Fairplay partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairplay spend roughly 23.9% of their income on rent, more than the 22% in Merino.