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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Glendale is 28% more expensive than Fairfield.

$2,095/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 5%
$84,262/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 21%
$1,043,900 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 43%
$2,212/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ≈ Same
192,270
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

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $96/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $1,152/year.

Median household income is $18,059/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Glendale or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Fairfield?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $96/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Fairfield?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $18,059/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 Glendale or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 Glendale details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Fairfield

Glendale vs. Vancouver Glendale vs. Providence Glendale vs. Knoxville Glendale vs. Akron Glendale vs. Peoria Glendale vs. Brownsville Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill