Cost of Living: Eugene, OR vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Eugene

Oregon
111
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Eugene is 34% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,347/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 63%
$63,836/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 60%
$435,400 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 36%
$1,421/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 57%
177,520
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Eugene, OR and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $844/month cheaper in Eugene, saving renters about $10,128/year.

Median household income is $38,485/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Eugene is $435,400 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Eugene slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eugene vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Eugene or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Eugene is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Eugene and Fairfield?
Median rent in Eugene is $1,347/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $844/month.
Which city has higher income, Eugene or Fairfield?
Median household income is $63,836 in Eugene and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $38,485/year higher in Fairfield.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and California?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Eugene or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Eugene has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,347/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 Eugene details → View Fairfield details →

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