Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Fairfield

California
167

New York and Fairfield have a similar cost of living.

$1,779/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 23%
$79,713/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 28%
$751,700 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 21%
$1,837/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 21%
8,516,202
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $412/month cheaper in New York, saving renters about $4,944/year.

Median household income is $22,608/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

New York has a lower income tax rate, making New York slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Fairfield — common questions

Is New York or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New York is cheaper to live in with an index of 166 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Fairfield?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $412/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Fairfield?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $22,608/year higher in Fairfield.
How do taxes compare between New York and California?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View Fairfield details →

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