Last update: Oct 2026 United States 117.1K

Cost of Living in Fairfield, CT

For one person, living costs in Fairfield, CT are estimated at $2,624 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than half of the total. Other living expenses average about $37 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Fairfield, CT

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Fairfield, CT actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $2,624 per month with rent, or $1,137 for everyday expenses alone.

$2,624 /mo

A couple spends around $3,865 per month with rent, or $1,931 for everyday expenses alone.

$3,865 /mo

A family of three spends around $5,106 per month with rent, or $2,725 without housing.

$5,106 /mo
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$19.72 $19.72
$14.79 $14.79
$34.52 $34.52
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$73.7 $73.7
$55.0 $55.0
$123 $123
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$11.48 $11.48
$9.98 $9.98
$14.97 $14.97
Cappuccino
$5.63 $5.63
$4.23 $4.23
$8.46 $8.46
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.45 $2.45
$1.83 $1.83
$3.67 $3.67
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.79 $1.79
$1.34 $1.34
$2.68 $2.68
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.88 $5.88
$3.92 $3.92
$8.82 $8.82
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.04 $7.04
$5.83 $5.83
$9.71 $9.71
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.01 $1.01
$0.77 $0.77
$1.48 $1.48
White Bread (500g)
$3.55 $3.55
$2.20 $2.20
$5.65 $5.65
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.38 $4.38
$2.22 $2.22
$8.86 $8.86
Eggs
$4.25 $4.25
$2.14 $2.14
$7.13 $7.13
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.61 $12.61
$7.99 $7.99
$22.33 $22.33
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.70 $11.70
$6.69 $6.69
$22.37 $22.37
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$17.14 $17.14
$11.09 $11.09
$24.40 $24.40
Apples (1kg)
$4.32 $4.32
$2.29 $2.29
$7.62 $7.62
Banana (1kg)
$1.54 $1.54
$1.05 $1.05
$3.16 $3.16
Oranges (1kg)
$3.85 $3.85
$1.97 $1.97
$7.89 $7.89
Tomato (1kg)
$4.37 $4.37
$2.04 $2.04
$7.76 $7.76
Potato (1kg)
$2.91 $2.91
$1.55 $1.55
$6.26 $6.26
Onion (1kg)
$2.70 $2.70
$1.78 $1.78
$4.01 $4.01
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.12 $2.12
$1.48 $1.48
$2.96 $2.96
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.35 $2.35
$1.32 $1.32
$3.66 $3.66
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$8.85 $8.85
$8.34 $8.34
$10.58 $10.58
Wine (Bottle)
$15.52 $15.52
$10.35 $10.35
$24.84 $24.84
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.97 $1.97
$1.73 $1.73
$3.13 $3.13
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.14 $3.14
$1.78 $1.78
$5.61 $5.61
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.03 $2.03
$1.02 $1.02
$2.03 $2.03
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$70.0 $70.0
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.28 $3.28
$3.17 $3.17
$5.29 $5.29
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.71 $1.71
$1.52 $1.52
$2.13 $2.13
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$30.28 $30.28
$25.35 $25.35
$35.33 $35.33
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.14 $1.14
$0.77 $0.77
$1.16 $1.16
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$30.4K $30.4K
$29.9K $29.9K
$39.7K $39.7K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.2K $26.2K
$25.6K $25.6K
$27.0K $27.0K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$197 $197
$136 $136
$346 $346
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$58.0 $58.0
$29.85 $29.85
$99.5 $99.5
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$70.6 $70.6
$50.4 $50.4
$101 $101
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$42.03 $42.03
$20.18 $20.18
$50.5 $50.5
Cinema Ticket
$14.29 $14.29
$12.25 $12.25
$20.41 $20.41
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,424 $1,424
$1,091 $1,091
$2,032 $2,032
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$23.3K $23.3K
$17.3K $17.3K
$29.9K $29.9K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$52.6 $52.6
$29.66 $29.66
$79.1 $79.1
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$40.95 $40.95
$24.85 $24.85
$64.6 $64.6
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$88.4 $88.4
$64.9 $64.9
$137 $137
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$115 $115
$75.4 $75.4
$181 $181
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,567 $1,567
$1,207 $1,207
$1,767 $1,767
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,290 $1,290
$992 $992
$1,488 $1,488
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,545 $2,545
$1,911 $1,911
$2,841 $2,841
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,184 $2,184
$1,625 $1,625
$2,540 $2,540
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,337 $2,337
$1,718 $1,718
$2,337 $2,337
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,221 $2,221
$1,737 $1,737
$2,221 $2,221
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$4,993 $4,993
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6
6
6

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

Last update: October 19, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Fairfield, CT $2,624
Accommodation & Living
$1.3K
Groceries & Markets
$394
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$326
Eating Out
$320
Clothing & Footwear
$134
Getting Around
$90
Sport & Entertainment
$71

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,567, dropping to $1,290 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 31% of the average salary ($4,993) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $4,993 – comfortably above monthly costs of $2,624. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $3,936.

Groceries cost around $394 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $74.0.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $70.0.

Cost Highlights

Fairfield, CT is more expensive than 88% of cities worldwide and 70% within North America.

Good to know
🕒 Local time
12:11 12:11 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
117,133
💱 Currency
📈 Exchange rate
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United States Dollar exchange rates as of October 21, 2026: 1 EUR = 1.12 USD (1 USD = 0.89 EUR).

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Fairfield, CT Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Fixed Broadband

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Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Fairfield, CT - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Fairfield for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to nearby cities?
Fairfield sits in a sweet spot for the Northeast: you’ll find solid value for everyday needs without the intensity of bigger coastal cities. You’ll have accessible options for housing within easy reach of Stamford and the New York metro area, plus beaches and green spaces that boost lifestyle quality. Cost of Living in Fairfield, CT, United States tends to be mid-range for the region, with grocery and dining costs generally higher than rural towns but often lower than big-city cores. Location matters: coastline and school quality can nudge prices upward, while inland neighborhoods may offer more affordable finds. Tip: spend a couple of weeks exploring different blocks to sense value, transport links, and daily conveniences.
What does daily life look like in Fairfield in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
Daily life in Fairfield blends small-town charm with practical accessibility. For housing search, focus on Stratfield and Greenfield Hill for value, or Southport for coastal vibes; prices vary by proximity to water and rail links. Food options range from supermarkets and farmers markets to casual dining spots with farm-to-table options. For transport, most people rely on a car, with rail and buses serving NYC and Stamford commutes; biking is feasible in many neighborhoods. Co-working spaces and cafés support remote work, and the town center makes errands straightforward. Knowing the Fairfield, CT, United States living cost helps you plan your budget. Tip: map out a week-long trial in different neighborhoods to test commute times and daily errands.
What factors influence quality of life and budgeting in Fairfield, and how can you plan for seasonality and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Fairfield leans on balance: you can have a quiet suburban vibe with easy access to beaches, parks, and the coast, plus reasonable proximity to major job markets. Build a budgeting framework around fixed housing costs, groceries, and discretionary items, and review it with each seasonal change – heat in winter, cooling in summer, or holiday travel. Seek neighborhood fits by visiting during different times of day and week: a stroll along the town center reveals walkability, café culture, and safety. Save by leveraging farmers markets, shared workspaces, and long-term rental options when the right place aligns with your needs. Tip: prime seasons for housing hunts are typically spring and early summer, so plan ahead.
What drives the high cost of living in Fairfield, CT?
Fairfield, CT is expensive by global standards – monthly costs hit about $2,624. Housing is the main driver: central rents are steep, and even outer neighborhoods cost more than the global average. Strong demand, high local incomes, and limited supply all push prices up.
How expensive is daily life in Fairfield, CT?
There's no getting around it – Fairfield, CT is expensive. Monthly costs with rent typically hit $2,624, and housing is the biggest culprit. Groceries, dining, and services also run above global averages, pushed up by strong local demand and high incomes.
What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Fairfield, CT?
You'll want at least $3,936 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Fairfield, CT. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
What is the average rent for an apartment in Fairfield, CT?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Fairfield, CT runs about $1,567 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $1,290. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
How much does grocery shopping cost per month in Fairfield, CT?
Groceries are expensive in Fairfield, CT – about $394 per month for one person. Imported goods and organic products are widely available but pricey. Local markets and discount stores help, but food is a noticeable budget item.
What is a monthly transit pass in Fairfield, CT?
Public transport in Fairfield, CT costs about $70.0 per month – usually unlimited rides on buses, metro, or trams within the main zone. Much cheaper than owning a car, and the practical choice for most residents.
Can a person live on $2,500 monthly in Fairfield, CT?
$2,500 in Fairfield, CT is a stretch – monthly costs with rent hit $2,624, and housing alone takes a big chunk. Even with a shared flat and minimal going out, there's very little buffer for surprises or savings.
Is Fairfield, CT a good base for remote workers?
Digital nomads flock to Fairfield, CT for good reason: fast internet, low crime rates, clean air. Monthly costs land around $2,624 depending on your setup – strong value for the connectivity and quality of life you get. Coworking spaces and nomad-friendly cafés round out the appeal.

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