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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Fairfield

California
167

San Francisco is 60% more expensive than Fairfield.

$2,419/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↓ 9%
$141,446/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 28%
$1,380,500 ↑ 133%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 57%
$2,620/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↓ 15%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $228/month cheaper in Fairfield, saving renters about $2,736/year.

Median household income is $39,125/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Fairfield — common questions

Is San Francisco or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Fairfield?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $228/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Fairfield?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $39,125/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Fairfield details →

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