Cost of Living: Santa Clara, CA vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Santa Clara is 84% more expensive than Fairfield.

$2,985/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↓ 27%
$173,670/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 41%
$1,527,900 ↑ 158%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 61%
$3,051/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↓ 27%
129,239
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

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $794/month cheaper in Fairfield, saving renters about $9,528/year.

Median household income is $71,349/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clara vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Santa Clara or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Fairfield?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $794/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Fairfield?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $71,349/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/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 Santa Clara details → View Fairfield details →

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