Fairfield, OH vs Kettering, OH

Kettering is moderately more affordable than Fairfield, with a 9.8% lower cost of living index. Fairfield scores 86 compared to 78 for Kettering, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Fairfield can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairfield is $1,145/month compared to $983/month in Kettering — a 17% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Kettering is more affordable at $192,500 median vs $218,100.

Median household income in Fairfield is $70,166 compared to $71,619 in Kettering (-2%). Kettering offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairfield spend roughly 19.6% of their income on rent, more than the 16.5% in Kettering.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (53.8°F vs 54.1°F). Fairfield receives more rainfall at 41.4" per year compared to 41" in Kettering.