Sacramento, CA vs Fairfield, CA: 132 vs 167

$1,694/mo ↓ 23%

Median Rent

$2,191/mo ↑ 29%

$83,753/yr ↓ 18%

Median Income

$102,321/yr ↑ 22%

$484,600 ↓ 18%

Home Value

$592,500 ↑ 22%

$1,752/mo ↓ 21%

Owner Costs

$2,226/mo ↑ 27%

524,802

Population

119,985

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $497/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $5,964/year.

Median household income is $18,568/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Sacramento or Fairfield cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 167 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Fairfield?

Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $497/month.

Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Fairfield?

Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $18,568/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 Sacramento or Fairfield?

It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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.

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

Sacramento

Fairfield

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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