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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Irvine is 53% more expensive than Fairfield.

$2,893/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↓ 24%
$129,647/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 21%
$1,115,400 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 47%
$2,904/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↓ 23%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $702/month cheaper in Fairfield, saving renters about $8,424/year.

Median household income is $27,326/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Irvine or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Fairfield?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $702/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Fairfield?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $27,326/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Fairfield details →

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