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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Oakland is 17% more expensive than Fairfield.

$1,917/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 14%
$97,369/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 5%
$924,700 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 36%
$2,164/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 3%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $274/month cheaper in Oakland, saving renters about $3,288/year.

Median household income is $4,952/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Oakland or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Fairfield?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $274/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Fairfield?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $4,952/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 Oakland or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Fairfield details →

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