Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Raleigh is 34% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,468/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 49%
$82,424/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 24%
$377,800 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 57%
$1,487/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 50%
470,763
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $723/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $8,676/year.

Median household income is $19,897/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Raleigh or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Fairfield?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $723/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Fairfield?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $19,897/year higher in Fairfield.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Raleigh and Fairfield

Raleigh vs. Colorado Springs Raleigh vs. Long Beach Raleigh vs. Omaha Raleigh vs. Virginia Beach Raleigh vs. Atlanta Raleigh vs. Miami Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill