A+
14%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
37%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Fairfield Alabama National
Cost of living8689100
Groceries9496100
Health care9795100
Housing6374100
Transportation9695100
Utilities9697100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9294100
Household Items9996100
Education & Childcare9793100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Fairfield, AL

Knowing the cost of living in Fairfield allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Fairfield stands at 86, marking it 14% lower than the national average.

Is Fairfield Affordable?

Wondering if Fairfield is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Fairfield, for example, the median home price is 46.4% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 14.1% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Fairfield boasting a median household income of $61,023, which is 25% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Fairfield?

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Fairfield, healthcare costs are 3.4% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Fairfield cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Fairfield is 3% lower than the Alabama average
  • The cost of living in Fairfield is 14% lower than the national average
  • Fairfield housing is 37% lower than the national average
  • Alabama general sales tax is 22% lower than the national average
  • Alabama state income tax is 23% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Fairfield

See all the best places to live around Fairfield

Compare Fairfield, AL Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$80,795$6,733$1,885$2,424
      Renters$40,397$3,366$943$1,212
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Fairfield, AL, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Fairfield, the median monthly income is $80,795 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,885 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $40,397, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $943 on monthly rental expenses.

      Alabama Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Alabama 4% 13.5%

      Alabama Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Alabama 2% 5%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cardiff, AL487624.0%
      Mount Olive CDP (Coosa County), AL2847920.7%
      Edgewater, AL8528218.5%
      North Johns, AL1568019.8%
      Brighton, AL2,9398118.8%
      Fairfield, AL10,9808614.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lansdowne, PA10,9801011.0%
      Muskegon Heights, MI10,9797920.8%
      Waipio, HI10,98516767.0%
      Columbia, IL10,9851021.7%
      Jackson, WY10,97216767.2%
      Fairfield, AL10,9808614.0%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.