A+
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
33%
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 Iowa National
Cost of living8789100
Groceries9597100
Health care9896100
Housing6774100
Transportation9897100
Utilities9695100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9595100
Household Items9597100
Education & Childcare9694100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Fairfield, IA

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 87, marking it 13% lower than the national average.

Is Fairfield Affordable?

Is Fairfield an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Fairfield is 37.8% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 21.1% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Fairfield has a median household income of $64,216, which is 21% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Fairfield?

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Fairfield, the housing index is 32.7% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable 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 1.7% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

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.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Fairfield is 2% lower than the Iowa average
  • The cost of living in Fairfield is 13% lower than the national average
  • Fairfield housing is 33% lower than the national average
  • Iowa general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Iowa state income tax is 69% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Fairfield

See all the best places to live around Fairfield

Compare Fairfield, IA Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Fairfield?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Fairfield?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Fairfield poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$89,649$7,471$2,092$2,690
      Renters$36,394$3,033$849$1,092
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Fairfield is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Fairfield has a median income of about $89,649 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,092 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $36,394. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $849 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      Iowa Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Iowa 6% 7%

      Iowa Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Iowa 4.4% 6%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Coppock, IA22963.9%
      Leando, IA22963.9%
      Martinsburg, IA1387723.5%
      Hillsboro, IA1947723.2%
      Douds, IA867722.9%
      Fairfield, IA10,6258712.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Reading, OH10,626909.9%
      Lincoln Park, NJ10,62313433.9%
      Bound Brook, NJ10,62112424.2%
      Smithville, MO10,630981.7%
      Belle Chasse, LA10,63411312.9%
      Fairfield, IA10,6258712.5%
      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.