Carson, CA vs Fair Oaks, CA

Carson, CA and Fair Oaks, CA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.8% difference in their overall index. Carson scores 151 while Fair Oaks scores 146 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Carson is $1,914/month compared to $1,797/month in Fair Oaks — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fair Oaks is more affordable at $645,600 median vs $645,600.

Median household income in Carson is $107,391 compared to $111,332 in Fair Oaks (-3.5%). Fair Oaks offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Carson spend roughly 21.4% of their income on rent, more than the 19.4% in Fair Oaks.