Fairfield, CA vs Modesto, CA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Modesto is 28.1% cheaper than Fairfield. With a cost index of 120 vs 153, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Modesto to Fairfield should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairfield is $2,191/month compared to $1,609/month in Modesto — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Modesto is more affordable at $415,600 median vs $592,500.

Median household income in Fairfield is $102,321 compared to $77,899 in Modesto (+31.4%). While Fairfield 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 25.7% of their income on rent, more than the 24.8% in Modesto.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (62.1°F vs 63.1°F). Fairfield receives more rainfall at 24.8" per year compared to 12.3" in Modesto.