Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Denver is 12% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,770/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 24%
$91,681/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 12%
$586,700 ≈ Same
Home Value
$592,500 ≈ Same
$1,839/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 21%
713,734
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $421/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $5,052/year.

Median household income is $10,640/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Denver or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Fairfield?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $421/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Fairfield?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $10,640/year higher in Fairfield.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Fairfield

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