Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Dallas is 42% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,403/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 56%
$67,760/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 51%
$295,300 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 101%
$1,409/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 58%
1,299,553
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $788/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $9,456/year.

Median household income is $34,561/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Dallas or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Fairfield?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $788/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Fairfield?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $34,561/year higher in Fairfield.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Fairfield details →

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