Cost of Living: San Diego, CA vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

San Diego

California
197
VS

Fairfield

California
167

San Diego is 18% more expensive than Fairfield.

$2,223/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↓ 1%
$104,321/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 2%
$848,500 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 30%
$2,308/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↓ 4%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,000/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Fairfield — common questions

Is San Diego or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Fairfield?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $32/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Fairfield?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $2,000/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Fairfield

San Diego vs. San Antonio San Diego vs. Dallas San Diego vs. Philadelphia San Diego vs. San Jose San Diego vs. Phoenix San Diego vs. Austin Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill