| Index | Fairfield | California | National |
| Cost of living | 151 | 141 | 100 |
| Groceries | 115 | 111 | 100 |
| Health care | 120 | 116 | 100 |
| Housing | 222 | 197 | 100 |
| Transportation | 123 | 118 | 100 |
| Utilities | 123 | 119 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 124 | 120 | 100 |
| Household Items | 112 | 111 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 127 | 127 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Fairfield can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Fairfield cost of living index is 151, which is 51% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Fairfield may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Fairfield falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.
Housing costs are a major factor in the Fairfield cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 122.3% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.
The routine items you regularly buy for your home, such as cleaning supplies, personal care products, clothing basics, and kitchen essentials, make up 8% of the cost of living index. In Fairfield, these items cost 12.2% more than the national average, making day-to-day living a bit more expensive.
The cost of groceries continues to rise at an alarming rate. Over the last two years, grocery prices have increased by more than 10%! Unfortunately, in Fairfield, the news isn't any better as grocery prices are 14.6% higher than the national average.
Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 13 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Fairfield and this is how they responded. 23% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 77% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.
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 140.7% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 79.4% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Fairfield boasting a median household income of $128,562, which is 58.1% higher than the national average.
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.
Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Fairfield, the transportation index stands at 22.8% higher than the national average.
Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Fairfield, the housing index stands at 122.3% higher than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Fairfield are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $153,674 | $12,806 | $3,585 | $4,611 |
| Renters | $91,977 | $7,665 | $2,146 | $2,760 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| California | 7.25% | 10.5% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| California | 1% | 13.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Moskowite Corner, CA | 70 | 115 | 15.3% |
| Port Costa, CA | 251 | 115 | 14.6% |
| Lemon Hill, CA | 15,406 | 118 | 18.2% |
| Green Valley CDP (Los Angeles County), CA | 1,024 | 122 | 21.6% |
| Elmira, CA | 244 | 122 | 22.0% |
| Fairfield, CA | 121,000 | 151 | 50.7% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Independence, MO | 120,977 | 90 | 9.7% |
| Richardson, TX | 121,339 | 117 | 17.1% |
| Cambridge, MA | 121,456 | 205 | 104.5% |
| Rochester, MN | 121,687 | 106 | 5.5% |
| Clearwater, FL | 120,302 | 111 | 11.0% |
| Fairfield, CA | 121,000 | 151 | 50.7% |
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