Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Reno is 27% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,453/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 51%
$78,448/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 30%
$498,600 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 19%
$1,482/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 50%
268,959
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $738/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $8,856/year.

Median household income is $23,873/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Reno or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Fairfield?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $738/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Fairfield?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $23,873/year higher in Fairfield.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and California?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Reno and Fairfield

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