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

Palmdale

California
130
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Palmdale is 22% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,736/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 26%
$81,151/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 26%
$435,300 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 36%
$1,831/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 22%
165,487
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $455/month cheaper in Palmdale, saving renters about $5,460/year.

Median household income is $21,170/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Palmdale vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Palmdale or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palmdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palmdale and Fairfield?
Median rent in Palmdale is $1,736/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $455/month.
Which city has higher income, Palmdale or Fairfield?
Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $21,170/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 Palmdale or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,736/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 Palmdale details → View Fairfield details →

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