Cost of Living: Bridgeport, CT vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Bridgeport is 44% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,405/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 56%
$56,584/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 81%
$252,400 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 135%
$1,475/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 51%
148,012
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bridgeport, CT and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 94 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $786/month cheaper in Bridgeport, saving renters about $9,432/year.

Median household income is $45,737/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bridgeport is $252,400 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Bridgeport slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bridgeport vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Bridgeport or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bridgeport is cheaper to live in with an index of 94 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bridgeport and Fairfield?
Median rent in Bridgeport is $1,405/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $786/month.
Which city has higher income, Bridgeport or Fairfield?
Median household income is $56,584 in Bridgeport and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $45,737/year higher in Fairfield.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and California?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Bridgeport or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with median rent of $1,405/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 Bridgeport details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bridgeport and Fairfield

Bridgeport vs. Pomona Bridgeport vs. Rockford Bridgeport vs. Mesquite Bridgeport vs. Savannah Bridgeport vs. Pasadena Bridgeport vs. Denton Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill