Altadena, CA vs Fairfield, CA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fairfield is 28.1% cheaper than Altadena. With a cost index of 153 vs 196, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fairfield to Altadena should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Altadena is $2,250/month compared to $2,191/month in Fairfield — a 3% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairfield is more affordable at $592,500 median vs $1,073,500.

Median household income in Altadena is $129,123 compared to $102,321 in Fairfield (+26.2%). The higher salaries in Altadena partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Altadena spend roughly 20.9% of their income on rent, less than the 25.7% in Fairfield.