Cost of Living: Fairfield, CA vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Fairfield

California
167
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Fairfield is 111% more expensive than Dearborn.

$2,191/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 42%
$102,321/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 36%
$592,500 ↑ 188%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 65%
$2,226/mo ↑ 90%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 47%
119,985
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fairfield, CA and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 167 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $927/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $11,124/year.

Median household income is $37,129/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fairfield is $592,500 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairfield vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Fairfield or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fairfield and Dearborn?
Median rent in Fairfield is $2,191/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $927/month.
Which city has higher income, Fairfield or Dearborn?
Median household income is $102,321 in Fairfield and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $37,129/year higher in Fairfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fairfield or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with median rent of $2,191/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fairfield details → View Dearborn details →

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