Cost of Living: Fairfield, CA vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Fairfield

California

167

West Palm Beach

Florida

119

Fairfield is 48% more expensive than West Palm Beach.

$2,191/mo ↑ 28%

Median Rent

$1,709/mo ↓ 22%

$102,321/yr ↑ 48%

Median Income

$69,261/yr ↓ 32%

$592,500 ↑ 60%

Home Value

$369,800 ↓ 38%

$2,226/mo ↑ 34%

Owner Costs

$1,667/mo ↓ 25%

119,985

Population

119,508

Tax Comparison

13.3%

Income Tax

7.25%

Sales Tax

6.0%

0.71%

Property Tax

0.86%

Affordability

25.7%

rent-to-income

Affordability

29.6%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fairfield, CA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 167 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $482/month cheaper in West Palm Beach, saving renters about $5,784/year.

Median household income is $33,060/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fairfield is $592,500 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairfield vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Fairfield or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 167 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Fairfield and West Palm Beach?

Median rent in Fairfield is $2,191/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $482/month.

Which city has higher income, Fairfield or West Palm Beach?

Median household income is $102,321 in Fairfield and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $33,060/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 West Palm Beach?

It depends on your priorities. Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with median rent of $2,191/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.