Cost of Living in Fairfield, CT
Population 62,508 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Fairfield sits 142% above the national median — $738,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $168,391 (126% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Fairfield is part of the immediate Bridgeport metro area. Median home values run roughly 192% higher than Bridgeport's $252,000.
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 $738,000 — 142% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,194/month, 67% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $168,391/year is 126% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Connecticut's top state income tax rate is 7.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 61.1°F and lows of 45.7°F, with about 33.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Fairfield has a cost of living index of 212 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 112% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 38 | 41 | 47 | 58 | 68 | 78 | 83 | 82 | 75 | 64 | 54 | 44 |
| Low °F | 24 | 26 | 32 | 42 | 52 | 62 | 68 | 67 | 60 | 48 | 38 | 30 |
| Precip" | 3.18 | 3.12 | 4.09 | 4.16 | 3.58 | 3.77 | 3.32 | 3.98 | 3.96 | 3.84 | 3.11 | 3.98 |
| Snow" | 8.5 | 10.7 | 7.0 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 5.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fairfield, CT?
Fairfield has a cost index of 212 (100 = national average). It is 112% above the national average.
What is average rent in Fairfield, CT?
The median gross rent in Fairfield is $2,194 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fairfield?
The median home value in Fairfield is $738,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Fairfield?
The median household income in Fairfield is $168,391 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fairfield, CT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fairfield is 6.3%. The Connecticut state income tax top rate is 7.0%.
Is Fairfield, CT affordable?
Fairfield is above average in cost of living, with an index of 212 — about 112% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Fairfield?
Fairfield has average high temperatures of 61.1°F and average lows of 45.7°F. Annual precipitation is 44.1". Average annual snowfall is 33.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Fairfield at a Glance
- Population
- 62,508
- Median Income
- $168,391
- Home Value
- $738,000
- Median Rent
- $2,194/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Connecticut Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs