Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Seattle is 17% more expensive than Fairfield.

$1,998/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 10%
$121,984/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 16%
$912,100 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 35%
$2,220/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ≈ Same
741,440
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $193/month cheaper in Seattle, saving renters about $2,316/year.

Median household income is $19,663/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Seattle or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Fairfield?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $193/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Fairfield?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $19,663/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Fairfield

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill