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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Fairfield

California
167

San Jose is 52% more expensive than Fairfield.

$2,617/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↓ 16%
$141,565/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 28%
$1,187,800 ↑ 100%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 50%
$2,775/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↓ 20%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $426/month cheaper in Fairfield, saving renters about $5,112/year.

Median household income is $39,244/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Fairfield — common questions

Is San Jose or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Fairfield?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $426/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Fairfield?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $39,244/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Fairfield details →

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