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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Fremont is 66% more expensive than Fairfield.

$2,905/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↓ 25%
$176,350/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 42%
$1,289,400 ↑ 118%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 54%
$3,000/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↓ 26%
228,518
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $714/month cheaper in Fairfield, saving renters about $8,568/year.

Median household income is $74,029/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Fremont or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Fairfield?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $714/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Fairfield?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $74,029/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fremont details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Fairfield

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill