Cost of Living in Fairfax, CA
Population 7,523 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fairfax's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $1.1 million for a typical home, 268% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $131,875 that put it in the upper third of the state. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 13 miles west of Richmond, Fairfax falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 73% higher than Richmond's $650,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fairfax
The median home value in Fairfax is $1,121,500 — 268% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,281/month, 74% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $131,875/year is 77% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Fairfax has a cost of living index of 290 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 190% more expensive.
Fairfax has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fairfax, CA?
Fairfax has a cost index of 290 (100 = national average). It is 190% above the national average.
What is average rent in Fairfax, CA?
The median gross rent in Fairfax is $2,281 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fairfax?
The median home value in Fairfax is $1,121,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fairfax?
The median household income in Fairfax is $131,875 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fairfax, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fairfax is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Fairfax, CA affordable?
Fairfax is above average in cost of living, with an index of 290 — about 190% higher than the national average.
Fairfax at a Glance
- Population
- 7,523
- Median Income
- $131,875
- Home Value
- $1,121,500
- Median Rent
- $2,281/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.7%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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