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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Fresno is 40% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,324/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 65%
$66,804/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 53%
$348,500 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 70%
$1,391/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 60%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $867/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $10,404/year.

Median household income is $35,517/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Fresno or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Fairfield?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $867/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Fairfield?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $35,517/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 Fresno or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Fairfield details →

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