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

Fairfield

California
167
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Fairfield is 22% more expensive than Allen.

$2,191/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↓ 14%
$102,321/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 26%
$592,500 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 27%
$2,226/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↓ 6%
119,985
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fairfield, CA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 167 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $314/month cheaper in Allen, saving renters about $3,768/year.

Median household income is $26,809/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fairfield is $592,500 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairfield vs Allen — common questions

Is Fairfield or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allen is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fairfield and Allen?
Median rent in Fairfield is $2,191/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $314/month.
Which city has higher income, Fairfield or Allen?
Median household income is $102,321 in Fairfield and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $26,809/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fairfield or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with median rent of $2,191/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fairfield details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fairfield and Allen

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