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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Modesto is 28% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,609/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 36%
$77,899/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 31%
$415,600 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 43%
$1,613/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 38%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $582/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $6,984/year.

Median household income is $24,422/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Modesto or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Fairfield?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $582/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Fairfield?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $24,422/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 Modesto or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Fairfield

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill