Cost of Living in Fairfield, CA - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $3,962 monthly including rent, or $1,402 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $5,555 with rent, or $2,297 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $7,149 including rent, or $3,191 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$22.15 $22.15
$14.10 $14.10
$40.28 $40.28
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$81.5 $81.5
$66.2 $66.2
$153 $153
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$11.81 $11.81
$10.83 $10.83
$14.77 $14.77
Cappuccino
$4.82 $4.82
$2.99 $2.99
$8.96 $8.96
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.90 $2.90
$1.99 $1.99
$3.98 $3.98
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.98 $1.98
$1.98 $1.98
$2.97 $2.97
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$7.33 $7.33
$6.84 $6.84
$8.80 $8.80
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.89 $6.89
$4.92 $4.92
$8.86 $8.86
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.18 $1.18
$0.96 $0.96
$1.56 $1.56
White Bread (500g)
$4.00 $4.00
$3.21 $3.21
$8.18 $8.18
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.48 $4.48
$2.23 $2.23
$11.28 $11.28
Eggs
$5.31 $5.31
$2.60 $2.60
$8.02 $8.02
Local Cheese (1kg)
$13.33 $13.33
$9.06 $9.06
$43.24 $43.24
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.24 $11.24
$8.33 $8.33
$24.17 $24.17
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$17.82 $17.82
$10.02 $10.02
$44.55 $44.55
Apples (1kg)
$7.97 $7.97
$3.13 $3.13
$13.42 $13.42
Banana (1kg)
$2.84 $2.84
$1.75 $1.75
$6.66 $6.66
Oranges (1kg)
$5.96 $5.96
$2.21 $2.21
$13.42 $13.42
Tomato (1kg)
$7.58 $7.58
$3.26 $3.26
$8.68 $8.68
Potato (1kg)
$4.03 $4.03
$0.78 $0.78
$11.20 $11.20
Onion (1kg)
$3.86 $3.86
$1.96 $1.96
$6.55 $6.55
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.22 $2.22
$1.36 $1.36
$4.08 $4.08
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.02 $2.02
$1.76 $1.76
$3.01 $3.01
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$12.11 $12.11
$9.08 $9.08
$16.14 $16.14
Wine (Bottle)
$9.83 $9.83
$6.88 $6.88
$19.66 $19.66
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.80 $1.80
$1.45 $1.45
$2.03 $2.03
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.54 $2.54
$1.17 $1.17
$8.79 $8.79
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.02 $2.02
$1.77 $1.77
$3.03 $3.03
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$87.8 $87.8
$60.6 $60.6
$115 $115
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.04 $3.04
$3.04 $3.04
$4.06 $4.06
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.87 $1.87
$1.56 $1.56
$1.87 $1.87
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$29.03 $29.03
$29.03 $29.03
$29.03 $29.03
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.32 $1.32
$1.16 $1.16
$1.49 $1.49
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$33.5K $33.5K
$24.6K $24.6K
$36.2K $36.2K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$27.6K $27.6K
$25.7K $25.7K
$40.1K $40.1K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$228 $228
$170 $170
$350 $350
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$50.6 $50.6
$35.33 $35.33
$151 $151
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$75.7 $75.7
$50.8 $50.8
$153 $153
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$123 $123
$97.5 $97.5
$148 $148
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$75.6 $75.6
-
Cinema Ticket
$14.16 $14.16
$12.14 $12.14
$20.23 $20.23
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,877 $1,877
$1,207 $1,207
$3,017 $3,017
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$20.4K $20.4K
$20.4K $20.4K
$51.0K $51.0K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$57.9 $57.9
$39.53 $39.53
$74.1 $74.1
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$42.66 $42.66
$12.05 $12.05
$70.3 $70.3
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$85.8 $85.8
$60.6 $60.6
$141 $141
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$109 $109
$74.5 $74.5
$164 $164
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,477 $2,477
$1,988 $1,988
$2,871 $2,871
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,416 $2,416
$1,900 $1,900
$2,900 $2,900
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$3,353 $3,353
$2,540 $2,540
$4,267 $4,267
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$3,661 $3,661
$2,261 $2,261
$5,897 $5,897
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$3,676 $3,676
$3,658 $3,658
$3,701 $3,701
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$3,743 $3,743
$3,724 $3,724
$3,768 $3,768
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$4,739 $4,739
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.52
6.19
7.5

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: April 20, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $2,477 for a central one-bedroom, or $2,416 outside the center. At around 52% of the average salary ($4,739), rent noticeably above the typical 30% rent-to-income guideline.

Average take-home pay sits at $4,739, while typical expenses reach $3,962. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $5,942.

Expect to spend about $446 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $81 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $88 per month.

Cost Highlights

Gym membership is more expensive than 99% of cities in North America

1-bedroom apartment, outside city center is more expensive than 98% of cities in North America

Overall monthly cost (including rent) is more expensive than 98% of cities in North America

Fairfield, CA Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Fairfield, CA - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Fairfield compare in overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Fairfield sits in a sweet spot for the Bay Area, offering a more approachable price tag than core urban hubs while still giving you reliable access to shopping, dining, and transit. Not the cheapest corner of the region, but you’ll notice a sensible balance between rent, utilities, and everyday costs. The city’s mix of quiet residential streets, good services, and family-friendly amenities keeps daily life predictable, which helps budgeting for longer stays. The overall picture is that Cost of Living in Fairfield, CA, United States tends to be more manageable than central Bay Area pockets, while still offering convenience. Tip: Choose transit-accessible neighborhoods to stretch value.
What does daily life look like for a newcomer in Fairfield, including housing search, food options, transport, coworking, and errands?
Daily life in Fairfield tends to be practical rather than flashy, with a mix of suburban neighborhoods and small-town conveniences. Housing options range from modest apartments near shopping centers to modest single-family streets a short drive from the waterfront. Food scenes center on markets, diners, and grill houses, plus a growing selection of cafes for remote work. Transit is workable, with bus routes and a reasonable drive to nearby job centers; cycling can be pleasant on flat stretches. Fairfield, CA, United States living cost helps you set a realistic budget for groceries, utilities, and occasional outings. Tip: map a couple of go-to neighborhoods before renting.
What budgeting approach and neighborhood fit strategy help maximize quality of life in Fairfield?
Quality of life in Fairfield comes from balance and planning. A simple budgeting framework – track essentials (housing, groceries, utilities) separately from discretionary spends (eating out, entertainment, travel) – helps you adapt with the seasons, when utility needs may swing and outdoor activities shift. For neighborhood fit, look for areas with walkable stores, parks, and safe commutes to your work or study spots. Seasonality matters: milder shoulder seasons can ease relocation and errands, while summer weekends bring more local markets and outdoor events. Tip: set a monthly savings goal for unexpected repairs or travel, and keep a short list of backup grocery options near your home base.
What is the average cost of living in Fairfield, CA?
A single person in Fairfield, CA typically spends $3,962 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $1,402. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
What is the average cost of living in Fairfield, CA in 2026?
As of 2026, monthly living costs in Fairfield, CA come to around $3,962 including rent, or roughly $1,402 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.
What is a good salary in Fairfield, CA?
Earning $5,942 monthly in Fairfield, CA means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
How much does a 1-bedroom apartment cost in Fairfield, CA?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Fairfield, CA range from $2,416 to $2,477, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
How expensive is a gym membership in Fairfield, CA?
At around $123 monthly, gym costs in Fairfield, CA are on the steep side. The price tracks with the city's overall high cost of services, though annual contracts and promotional deals can cut the bill.
Is food expensive in Fairfield, CA?
Fairfield, CA isn't cheap for groceries. Monthly bills reach $446 for a single person, and even basic items cost more than in most comparable cities. Cooking at home is still the most economical approach.
Is $1,500 enough to live comfortably in Fairfield, CA?
At $3,962 in typical monthly expenses, a $1,500 budget barely covers Fairfield, CA. You'd need a shared flat in an outer area, home-cooked meals, and serious discipline with discretionary spending to make it work.
Is Fairfield, CA a good city for digital nomads?
Remote workers pick Fairfield, CA for good reason: fast internet, family-friendly facilities, retirement-friendly amenities, all at about $3,962 per month including rent. It fits a wide range of remote salaries without compromising on comfort or connectivity.

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