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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Pasadena is 32% more expensive than Fairfield.

$2,218/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↓ 1%
$103,778/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 1%
$1,045,000 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 43%
$2,340/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↓ 5%
136,462
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,457/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Pasadena or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Fairfield?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $27/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Fairfield?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $1,457/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Fairfield details →

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