Cost of Living: Fairfield, CA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Fairfield

California
167
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Fairfield is 30% cheaper than Cambridge.

$2,191/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 25%
$102,321/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 24%
$592,500 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 76%
$2,226/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 18%
119,985
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fairfield, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 167 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $551/month cheaper in Fairfield, saving renters about $6,612/year.

Median household income is $24,148/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fairfield is $592,500 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairfield vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Fairfield or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fairfield and Cambridge?
Median rent in Fairfield is $2,191/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $551/month.
Which city has higher income, Fairfield or Cambridge?
Median household income is $102,321 in Fairfield and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $24,148/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fairfield or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with median rent of $2,191/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fairfield details → View Cambridge details →

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