Cost of Living: Fairfield, CA vs Carlsbad, CA (2026)

Fairfield

California
167
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Fairfield is 34% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$2,191/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 22%
$102,321/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 36%
$592,500 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 95%
$2,226/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 26%
119,985
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fairfield, CA and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 167 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $487/month cheaper in Fairfield, saving renters about $5,844/year.

Median household income is $37,005/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fairfield is $592,500 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairfield vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Fairfield or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fairfield and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Fairfield is $2,191/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $487/month.
Which city has higher income, Fairfield or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $102,321 in Fairfield and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $37,005/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Fairfield or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with median rent of $2,191/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fairfield details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fairfield and Carlsbad

Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill Carlsbad vs. East Los Angeles Carlsbad vs. Waterbury Carlsbad vs. Lowell Carlsbad vs. Provo Carlsbad vs. League City Carlsbad vs. Elgin