Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Chicago is 40% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,380/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 59%
$75,134/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 36%
$315,200 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 88%
$1,502/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 48%
2,707,648
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $811/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $9,732/year.

Median household income is $27,187/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Chicago or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Fairfield?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $811/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Fairfield?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $27,187/year higher in Fairfield.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Fairfield

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