Cost of Living: Chandler, AZ vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Chandler

Arizona
134
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Chandler is 20% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,806/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 21%
$103,691/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 1%
$469,800 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 26%
$1,743/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 28%
278,123
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chandler, AZ and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $385/month cheaper in Chandler, saving renters about $4,620/year.

Median household income is $1,370/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chandler is $469,800 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandler vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Chandler or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chandler is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chandler and Fairfield?
Median rent in Chandler is $1,806/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $385/month.
Which city has higher income, Chandler or Fairfield?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $1,370/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chandler or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Chandler has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,806/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 Chandler details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chandler and Fairfield

Chandler vs. Plano Chandler vs. Buffalo Chandler vs. Durham Chandler vs. Madison Chandler vs. Anchorage Chandler vs. Chula Vista Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill