Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Elk Grove and Fairfield have a similar cost of living.

$2,180/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ≈ Same
$122,229/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 16%
$603,400 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 2%
$2,227/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ≈ Same
177,221
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $19,908/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Fairfield?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $11/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Fairfield?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $19,908/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Fairfield

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill