Fairview, IL vs Payson, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fairview is 26.2% cheaper than Payson. With a cost index of 54 vs 73, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fairview to Payson should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairview is $442/month compared to $967/month in Payson — a 54% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairview is more affordable at $79,800 median vs $118,000.

Median household income in Fairview is $65,250 compared to $62,262 in Payson (+4.8%). Fairview offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairview spend roughly 8.1% of their income on rent, less than the 18.6% in Payson.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (52.7°F vs 53°F). Fairview receives more rainfall at 37.6" per year compared to 36.4" in Payson.