Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Boston is 5% more expensive than Fairfield.

$2,093/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 5%
$94,755/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 8%
$710,400 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 17%
$2,176/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 2%
663,972
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $98/month cheaper in Boston, saving renters about $1,176/year.

Median household income is $7,566/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Boston or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Fairfield?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $98/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Fairfield?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $7,566/year higher in Fairfield.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Fairfield details →

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