Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Los Angeles is 12% more expensive than Fairfield.

$1,879/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 17%
$80,366/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 27%
$879,500 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 33%
$2,055/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 8%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $312/month cheaper in Los Angeles, saving renters about $3,744/year.

Median household income is $21,955/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Fairfield?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $312/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Fairfield?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $21,955/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 Los Angeles or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Fairfield details →

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