Cost of Living: Fairfield, CA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Fairfield

California
167
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Fairfield is 27% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$2,191/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 9%
$102,321/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 8%
$592,500 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 78%
$2,226/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 11%
119,985
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fairfield, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 167 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $204/month cheaper in Fairfield, saving renters about $2,448/year.

Median household income is $7,752/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fairfield is $592,500 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairfield vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Fairfield or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fairfield and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Fairfield is $2,191/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $204/month.
Which city has higher income, Fairfield or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $102,321 in Fairfield and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $7,752/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with median rent of $2,191/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fairfield details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fairfield and Costa Mesa

Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria