Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Richmond is 41% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,314/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 67%
$62,671/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 63%
$328,100 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 81%
$1,374/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 62%
227,595
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $877/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $10,524/year.

Median household income is $39,650/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Richmond slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Richmond or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Fairfield?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $877/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Fairfield?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $39,650/year higher in Fairfield.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richmond and Fairfield

Richmond vs. Fremont Richmond vs. Baton Rouge Richmond vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Hialeah Richmond vs. Spokane Richmond vs. San Bernardino Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill