Fairview, MT vs Red Lodge, MT

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fairview is 21.4% cheaper than Red Lodge. With a cost index of 68 vs 87, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fairview to Red Lodge should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairview is $689/month compared to $805/month in Red Lodge — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairview is more affordable at $178,800 median vs $374,900.

Median household income in Fairview is $80,903 compared to $43,857 in Red Lodge (+84.5%). 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 10.2% of their income on rent, less than the 22% in Red Lodge.

Climate-wise, Red Lodge is notably warmer with an average of 48.2°F compared to 41.7°F in Fairview. Fairview receives more rainfall at 15.1" per year compared to 14.3" in Red Lodge.