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

Vancouver

Washington
123
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Vancouver is 26% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,632/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 34%
$78,156/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 31%
$440,300 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 35%
$1,607/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 39%
192,696
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vancouver, WA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 123 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $559/month cheaper in Vancouver, saving renters about $6,708/year.

Median household income is $24,165/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vancouver is $440,300 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Vancouver vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Vancouver or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vancouver is cheaper to live in with an index of 123 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vancouver and Fairfield?
Median rent in Vancouver is $1,632/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $559/month.
Which city has higher income, Vancouver or Fairfield?
Median household income is $78,156 in Vancouver and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $24,165/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Vancouver or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with median rent of $1,632/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 Vancouver details → View Fairfield details →

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