Cost of Living: Sunnyvale, CA vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Sunnyvale is 104% more expensive than Fairfield.

$3,065/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↓ 29%
$181,862/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 44%
$1,816,600 ↑ 207%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 67%
$3,016/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↓ 26%
153,455
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

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $874/month cheaper in Fairfield, saving renters about $10,488/year.

Median household income is $79,541/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Fairfield?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $874/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Fairfield?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $79,541/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Fairfield details →

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