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

Orange

California
206
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Orange is 23% more expensive than Fairfield.

$2,252/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↓ 3%
$116,945/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 13%
$900,700 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 34%
$2,394/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↓ 7%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $61/month cheaper in Fairfield, saving renters about $732/year.

Median household income is $14,624/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Orange or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Fairfield?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $61/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Fairfield?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $14,624/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Fairfield

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill