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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Riverside is 14% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,812/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 21%
$88,575/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 16%
$542,100 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 9%
$1,880/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 18%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $379/month cheaper in Riverside, saving renters about $4,548/year.

Median household income is $13,746/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Riverside or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Riverside is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Fairfield?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $379/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Fairfield?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $13,746/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Riverside or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Fairfield details →

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