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

Fairfield

California
167
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Fairfield is 59% more expensive than Clearwater.

$2,191/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 30%
$102,321/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 37%
$592,500 ↑ 82%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 45%
$2,226/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 37%
119,985
Population
117,075

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
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fairfield, CA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 167 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $652/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $7,824/year.

Median household income is $37,881/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fairfield is $592,500 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairfield vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Fairfield or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fairfield and Clearwater?
Median rent in Fairfield is $2,191/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $652/month.
Which city has higher income, Fairfield or Clearwater?
Median household income is $102,321 in Fairfield and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $37,881/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 Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with median rent of $2,191/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fairfield details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fairfield and Clearwater

Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville