Cost of Living: Fairfield, CA vs Brandon, FL (2026)

Fairfield

California
167
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Fairfield is 55% more expensive than Brandon.

$2,191/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↓ 23%
$102,321/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↓ 25%
$592,500 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$293,800 ↓ 50%
$2,226/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↓ 31%
119,985
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fairfield, CA and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 167 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $500/month cheaper in Brandon, saving renters about $6,000/year.

Median household income is $25,253/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fairfield is $592,500 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairfield vs Brandon — common questions

Is Fairfield or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brandon is cheaper to live in with an index of 108 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fairfield and Brandon?
Median rent in Fairfield is $2,191/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $500/month.
Which city has higher income, Fairfield or Brandon?
Median household income is $102,321 in Fairfield and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $25,253/year higher in Fairfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fairfield or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with median rent of $2,191/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fairfield details → View Brandon details →

More Comparisons

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