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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Ontario is 9% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,916/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 14%
$82,806/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 24%
$568,000 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 4%
$1,967/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 13%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $275/month cheaper in Ontario, saving renters about $3,300/year.

Median household income is $19,515/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Ontario or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ontario is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Fairfield?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $275/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Fairfield?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $19,515/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 Ontario or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Fairfield

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill