Fayette, IA vs New Albin, IA

The cost of living difference between Fayette, IA and New Albin, IA is dramatic. New Albin is 34.5% cheaper than Fayette, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fayette has a cost index of 71 while New Albin sits at 53, 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 Fayette is $963/month compared to $342/month in New Albin — a 182% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while New Albin has cheaper rent, Fayette actually has lower median home values ($123,300 vs $130,600).

Median household income in Fayette is $39,297 compared to $58,936 in New Albin (-33.3%). New Albin offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Fayette spend roughly 29.4% of their income on rent, more than the 7% in New Albin.