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

Fairfield

California
167
VS

Richmond

California
161

Fairfield is 4% more expensive than Richmond.

$2,191/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↓ 14%
$102,321/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 12%
$592,500 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 10%
$2,226/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↓ 9%
119,985
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fairfield, CA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 167 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $296/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $3,552/year.

Median household income is $12,283/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fairfield is $592,500 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairfield vs Richmond — common questions

Is Fairfield or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 161 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fairfield and Richmond?
Median rent in Fairfield is $2,191/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $296/month.
Which city has higher income, Fairfield or Richmond?
Median household income is $102,321 in Fairfield and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $12,283/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with median rent of $2,191/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fairfield details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fairfield and Richmond

Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell