Fair Oaks, CA vs Placerville, CA
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Placerville is 29.5% cheaper than Fair Oaks. With a cost index of 112 vs 146, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Placerville to Fair Oaks should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Fair Oaks is $1,797/month compared to $1,229/month in Placerville — a 46% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Placerville is more affordable at $450,600 median vs $645,600.
Median household income in Fair Oaks is $111,332 compared to $70,602 in Placerville (+57.7%). While Fair Oaks is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fair Oaks spend roughly 19.4% of their income on rent, less than the 20.9% in Placerville.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (63.4°F vs 63.4°F). Placerville receives more rainfall at 19.2" per year compared to 19.2" in Fair Oaks.
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Housing
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Rent by Bedroom Size
HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average
Everyday Prices
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)