Cost of Living in Fairfield, CA
Population 119,985 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Fairfield run well above the national baseline, with a median of $593,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $102,321 place the city among the better-paid California metros.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fairfield
The median home value in Fairfield is $592,500 — 94% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,191/month, 67% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $102,321/year is 37% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%, 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, Fairfield has a cost of living index of 183 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 83% more expensive.
🏠 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 Fairfield, CA?
Fairfield has a cost index of 183 (100 = national average). It is 83% above the national average.
What is average rent in Fairfield, CA?
The median gross rent in Fairfield is $2,191 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fairfield?
The median home value in Fairfield is $592,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fairfield?
The median household income in Fairfield is $102,321 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fairfield, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fairfield is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Fairfield, CA affordable?
Fairfield is above average in cost of living, with an index of 183 — about 83% higher than the national average.
Fairfield at a Glance
- Population
- 119,985
- Median Income
- $102,321
- Home Value
- $592,500
- Median Rent
- $2,191/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.3%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs