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

Torrance

California
218
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Torrance is 31% more expensive than Fairfield.

$2,214/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↓ 1%
$113,105/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 10%
$1,036,600 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 43%
$2,295/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↓ 3%
143,499
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

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Torrance, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 218 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,784/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Torrance is $1,036,600 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Torrance vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Torrance or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Torrance and Fairfield?
Median rent in Torrance is $2,214/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $23/month.
Which city has higher income, Torrance or Fairfield?
Median household income is $113,105 in Torrance and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $10,784/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Torrance has a cost index of 218 with median rent of $2,214/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 Torrance details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Torrance and Fairfield

Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill