Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Plano is 21% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,792/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 22%
$108,649/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 6%
$440,600 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 34%
$1,829/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 22%
287,339
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $399/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $4,788/year.

Median household income is $6,328/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Plano or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Fairfield?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $399/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Fairfield?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $6,328/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Fairfield

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