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Fairfield, AL vs Homewood, AL

72
Fairfield
Alabama
VS
-38.5%
117
Homewood
Alabama

The cost of living difference between Fairfield, AL and Homewood, AL is dramatic. Fairfield is 38.5% cheaper than Homewood, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fairfield has a cost index of 72 while Homewood sits at 117, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairfield is $997/month compared to $1,457/month in Homewood — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairfield is more affordable at $120,100 median vs $502,300.

Median household income in Fairfield is $48,492 compared to $108,386 in Homewood (-55.3%). While Homewood is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairfield spend roughly 24.7% of their income on rent, more than the 16.1% in Homewood.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (63.9°F vs 63.9°F). Homewood receives more rainfall at 56.6" per year compared to 56.6" in Fairfield.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Fairfield
72
39% cheaper
Homewood
117
Median Household Income
Fairfield
$48,492
Homewood
$108,386
55% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Fairfield
$997
32% cheaper
Homewood
$1,457
Median Home Value
Fairfield
$120,100
76% cheaper
Homewood
$502,300
Population
Fairfield
9,846
Homewood
27,697

Salary Equivalency Calculator

What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Fairfield $971
Homewood $971
1 Bed
Fairfield $1,088
Homewood $1,088
2 Bed
Fairfield $1,208
Homewood $1,208
3 Bed
Fairfield $1,517
Homewood $1,517
4 Bed
Fairfield $1,720
Homewood $1,720

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Fairfield $2.90
Homewood $2.90
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Fairfield $2.37
Homewood $2.37
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Fairfield $3.81
Homewood $3.81
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Fairfield $1.75
Homewood $1.75
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Fairfield $3.92
Homewood $3.92
US $4.14
Electricity
Fairfield $0.17
Homewood $0.17
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Fairfield 63.9°F
Homewood 63.9°F
Summer High
Fairfield 91°F
Homewood 91°F
Winter Low
Fairfield 35°F
Homewood 35°F
Rainfall
Fairfield 56.6"
Homewood 56.6"
Rainy Days
Fairfield 118d
Homewood 118d