Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Austin is 20% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,655/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 32%
$91,461/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 12%
$512,700 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 16%
$1,747/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 27%
967,862
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $536/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $6,432/year.

Median household income is $10,860/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Austin or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Fairfield?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $536/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Fairfield?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $10,860/year higher in Fairfield.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Fairfield details →

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