Category / Metric	Fairfield	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$100,126	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	5.5%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$599,000	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$310	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,853	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	135.7	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.6	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.98	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	499.5	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	26.9%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	35	44

Houston vs. Fairfield: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

Choosing where to plant your roots is one of life's biggest decisions. It’s not just about a zip code; it’s about your daily vibe, your bank account, and your long-term happiness. Today, we’re putting two vastly different American cities under the microscope: the sprawling, energetic giant of Houston, Texas, and the affluent, coastal-adjacent gem of Fairfield, California.

This isn't just a data dump. This is a head-to-head battle for your future home. Let’s get into it.

The Vibe Check: Big City Energy vs. Serene Affluence

First, let's talk about what it feels like to live in each place.

Houston is a behemoth. With a population of over 2.3 million, it’s the fourth-largest city in the U.S. The vibe here is relentless, diverse, and unpretentious. This is a city built on hustle, fueled by the energy industry, and known for its world-class food scene (seriously, the best tacos you’ll ever have are in a strip mall here). Life in Houston moves fast. It’s a concrete jungle where you can find everything from high-end art museums to sprawling bayou greenways. It’s for the ambitious, the foodie, and anyone who wants big-city amenities without the East Coast stiffness.

Fairfield, on the other hand, is a different beast. With a population of just over 120,000, it’s a suburban haven in the Bay Area’s Solano County. The vibe here is quieter, more family-oriented, and defined by its proximity to both San Francisco and the wine country of Napa and Sonoma. Life in Fairfield is about balance. You get the peace of a smaller community with the economic opportunity of the Bay Area (if you can stomach the commute). It’s for those who crave a slower pace, value safety and community, and don’t mind paying a premium for California’s sunshine and scenery.

Who is each city for?

Houston is for the go-getter who wants endless options, a lower cost of living, and doesn’t mind the heat or the sprawl.
Fairfield is for the established professional or family who prioritizes safety, outdoor access, and is willing to trade square footage for a prime West Coast location.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Farther?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s break down the cold, hard cash.

Cost of Living Comparison

Category	Houston, TX	Fairfield, CA	Winner
Median Home Price	$335,000	$599,000	Houston (by a landslide)
Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$1,853	Houston
Housing Index	106.5	135.7	Houston
Median Income	$62,637	$100,126	Fairfield

The Salary Wars & Purchasing Power

At first glance, Fairfield’s median income of $100,126 looks far more impressive than Houston’s $62,637. But this is the classic "sticker shock" vs. "real purchasing power" dilemma.

Let’s imagine you earn $100,000 in both cities.

In Houston, with 0% state income tax, your take-home pay is significantly higher. Your $335,000 median home price is 4.4x your income. This is considered an "affordable" ratio. You can afford a nice home, a car, and still have cash for Houston’s legendary dining scene.
In Fairfield, you’re hit with California’s high state income tax (ranging from 6% to 12.3% depending on your bracket). That $100,000 salary shrinks faster. Your median home price is 5.99x your income, pushing the limits of affordability. Your $1,853 rent is nearly double Houston’s, eating a larger chunk of your paycheck.

Verdict: Houston wins the Dollar Power battle. While Fairfield’s salaries are higher on paper, Texas’s tax structure and dramatically lower housing costs give you far more bang for your buck. In Houston, a six-figure salary feels like a fortune. In Fairfield, it feels like getting by.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Houston: A Buyer’s Market with Options
The Houston market is competitive but vast. With a median home price of $335,000, homeownership is within reach for many middle-class families. The housing stock is diverse—you can find a historic bungalow inside the 610 Loop, a modern townhome in The Woodlands, or a sprawling new build in the suburbs. It’s a "buyer’s market" in the sense that you have choices, and you can often negotiate. Renting is also straightforward, with plenty of inventory keeping prices relatively stable.

Fairfield: A Seller’s Market with Premiums
Welcome to the Bay Area, where the housing market is a different planet. A median home price of $599,000 is actually considered a "deal" for the region, but it’s still nearly $300,000 more than Houston. This is firmly a seller’s market. Inventory is tight, and competition is fierce. You’ll often find yourself in bidding wars, and waiving contingencies is common. Renting is also expensive and competitive. The Housing Index tells the story: 106.5 in Houston is slightly above the national average, while 135.7 in Fairfield is significantly pricier.

Verdict: If you want to buy a home without a massive financial stretch, Houston is the clear choice. Fairfield is for those with substantial savings or dual high incomes.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Houston: The city is infamous for its sprawl and traffic. The average commute is 29 minutes, but that can easily stretch to an hour during rush hour on highways like I-45 or the 610 Loop. Public transit (METRO) exists but is limited; a car is a necessity.
Fairfield: Commuting to San Francisco (approx. 40 miles) is a major factor. The drive can take 60-90 minutes via I-80, and traffic is brutal. Many residents take the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), which is a more reliable option but still adds time to your day. Within Fairfield itself, traffic is much lighter.

Winner for Commute: Fairfield (if you work locally), but Houston if your job is in the city.

Weather

Houston: Welcome to "Sweat Lodge, TX." The average annual temp is 59°F, but that’s misleading. Summers are long, humid, and oppressive, with temperatures regularly hitting 90°F+ and high humidity. Winters are mild but can be rainy. Hurricane season is a real threat.
Fairfield: A classic Mediterranean climate. The average temp is a cooler 41°F, but that’s skewed by chilly winters. Summers are dry, warm (typically 80-90°F), and pleasant. There’s no humidity to speak of, and the risk of hurricanes is zero. You get four distinct seasons, but snow is rare.

Winner for Weather: This is subjective. If you hate humidity and hurricanes, Fairfield wins. If you hate cold winters and love summer, Houston is your spot.

Crime & Safety

Violent Crime Rate (per 100k):
- Houston: 912.4
- Fairfield: 499.5

The numbers don’t lie. Fairfield’s violent crime rate is roughly 45% lower than Houston’s. While Houston is a massive city with neighborhoods that range from very safe to dangerous, its overall crime statistics are significantly higher. Fairfield, as a smaller, more affluent suburb, enjoys a notably safer environment.

Winner for Safety: Fairfield, decisively.

The Final Verdict

After weighing the data, the lifestyle, and the finances, here’s how they stack up for different life stages.

Winner for Families: Houston

Why? Space and affordability. A median home price of $335,000 means you can get a larger home with a yard for your family, a key factor for most parents. The city is packed with family-friendly activities (Zoo, Children’s Museum, Space Center) and top-rated school districts in the suburbs (like Katy or Sugar Land). The lower cost of living reduces financial stress, allowing for more family-oriented spending.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Houston

Why? Vibrancy and opportunity. Houston’s job market is diverse (energy, healthcare, tech) and growing. The social scene is unmatched for a city of its size—endless nightlife, concerts, and a legendary food scene. You can live in a trendy apartment in Midtown or Montrose for a fraction of what you’d pay in Fairfield, leaving more money in your pocket for experiences. The zero state income tax is a huge boost for building wealth early in your career.

Winner for Retirees: Fairfield

Why? Safety and climate. The lower violent crime rate (499.5 vs. 912.4) is a major peace-of-mind factor. The milder, drier climate is easier on aging joints compared to Houston’s humidity. Proximity to world-class healthcare in the Bay Area and the scenic beauty of Napa and Sonoma make for an enriching retirement. While the cost is high, retirees often have fixed incomes from investments or pensions that can buffer the higher taxes and housing costs.

Pros & Cons: At a Glance

Houston, TX

Pros:

Extremely affordable housing (Median Home: $335,000)
0% state income tax boosts purchasing power
Incredible, diverse food scene
Major international airport (IAH)
No state income tax
Vibrant job market in multiple industries

Cons:

High violent crime rate (912.4/100k)
Brutal summer humidity and hurricane risk
Heavy traffic and urban sprawl
Car-dependent city design
Limited public transit

Fairfield, CA