Cost of Living: Berkeley, CA vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Berkeley

California
251
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Berkeley is 50% more expensive than Fairfield.

$2,127/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 3%
$108,558/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 6%
$1,351,100 ↑ 128%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 56%
$2,340/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↓ 5%
120,223
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Berkeley, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 251 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $64/month cheaper in Berkeley, saving renters about $768/year.

Median household income is $6,237/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Berkeley is $1,351,100 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkeley vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Berkeley or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Berkeley and Fairfield?
Median rent in Berkeley is $2,127/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $64/month.
Which city has higher income, Berkeley or Fairfield?
Median household income is $108,558 in Berkeley and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $6,237/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Berkeley or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with median rent of $2,127/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 Berkeley details → View Fairfield details →

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