Fairfield vs Los Angeles

Category / Metric	Fairfield	Los Angeles
Financial Overview
Median Income	$100,126	$79,701
Unemployment Rate	5.5%	5.5%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$599,000	$1,002,500
Price per SqFt	$310	$616
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,853	$2,006
Housing Cost Index	135.7	173.0
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.6	107.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.98	$3.98
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	499.5	732.5
Bachelor's Degree+	26.9%	39.2%
Air Quality (AQI)	35	52

Los Angeles vs. Fairfield: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

You’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, the glittering, chaotic, sun-drenched metropolis of Los Angeles. On the other, the quieter, more affordable, family-friendly suburb of Fairfield. It’s not just a choice between two zip codes; it’s a choice between two entirely different lifestyles. Are you chasing the dream on the silver screen, or building a life in the heart of the Golden State’s wine country? Let’s break it down, stat by stat.

The Vibe Check: Dream Factory vs. Laid-Back Life

Los Angeles is the ultimate dream factory. It’s a sprawling, diverse, and often unforgiving beast of a city. The vibe is fast-paced, ambitious, and relentlessly creative. You’re not just living here; you’re performing, networking, and hustling. It’s a city of transplants chasing fame, fortune, or just a taste of that legendary California sunshine. If you thrive on energy, crave endless entertainment options, and don’t mind the grind, LA is your playground. It’s for the go-getters, the artists, the entrepreneurs, and those who believe the next big thing is just around the corner.

Fairfield, on the other hand, is the picture of suburban tranquility. Nestled in Solano County, it’s a community-focused city about 40 miles northeast of San Francisco. The vibe here is laid-back, pragmatic, and family-oriented. It’s the "bedroom community" for commuters working in the Bay Area, Sacramento, or the local Travis Air Force Base. Life moves at a slower pace. You’ll find more backyard barbecues than rooftop parties, more farmers' markets than red-carpet premieres. Fairfield is for those who want a stable, comfortable life without the constant chaos of a major metropolis. It’s for families, young professionals who value space, and anyone who prefers a quieter evening.

Verdict: If you’re a high-octane city person, LA wins. If you value a quieter, community-driven life, Fairfield is your spot.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Paycheck Actually Go?

Let’s talk brass tacks. The cost of living is the single biggest factor for most people, and here, the difference is staggering. You might earn more in LA, but it often evaporates faster.

To get a real sense of your purchasing power, we need to look at the essentials. Here’s how the costs stack up:

Category	Los Angeles	Fairfield	Winner
Median Income	$79,701	$100,126	Fairfield
Median Home Price	$1,002,500	$599,000	Fairfield
Rent (1BR)	$2,006	$1,853	Fairfield
Housing Index	173.0 (73% above US avg)	135.7 (36% above US avg)	Fairfield
Violent Crime Rate (per 100k)	732.5	499.5	Fairfield
Avg. Annual Temp	54.0°F (Mild, Dry)	41.0°F (Cold, Wet)	Subjective

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s run a scenario. Imagine you earn $100,000 a year.

• In Los Angeles: With a median income of $79,701, you’re doing well above average. However, your housing costs are astronomical. The median home price is over $1 million, and even renting a one-bedroom apartment will set you back over $2,000 per month. After California’s high state income tax (which can range from 1% to 13.3%), your take-home pay feels squeezed. That $100k in LA provides a decent lifestyle but makes homeownership a distant dream for many.
• In Fairfield: With a median income of $100,126, you’re right at the city’s average. But the financial relief is immediate. Housing is over $400k cheaper to buy, and rent is slightly lower. California’s state income tax still applies, but your dollars stretch much further. That same $100k salary in Fairfield feels more substantial—you can afford a nice apartment, save for a down payment, and live comfortably without the constant financial pressure.

The Tax Man Cometh:
Both cities are in California, so you’re subject to the same progressive state income tax. This is a huge factor. If you were comparing to a state like Texas (0% income tax), the difference would be even more stark. But between LA and Fairfield, the tax burden is similar; it’s the cost of goods and services—especially housing—that creates the real gap.

Verdict: Fairfield is the clear winner for financial sanity and purchasing power. Your money simply goes further here.

The Housing Market: To Buy or To Rent?

Los Angeles:
The LA housing market is a pressure cooker. It’s a relentless seller’s market with brutal competition. Bidding wars are the norm, and all-cash offers often beat out financed bids. The median home price of $1,002,500 is a barrier for even high-earning professionals. Renting is the default for most, but even that is expensive and competitive. Availability is tight, and you’re often paying a premium for location, location, location.

Fairfield:
Fairfield offers a much more accessible housing market. The median home price of $599,000 is still high compared to the national average but is a breath of fresh air for anyone priced out of SF or LA. The market here is more balanced, though it can lean toward a seller’s advantage in desirable neighborhoods. Renting is a viable, affordable option for those not ready to buy. You get more space for your money—often a yard, more bedrooms, and a two-car garage.

Verdict: For buyers, Fairfield wins, hands down. It’s one of the few places left in California where middle-class families can realistically own a home. For renters, the choice is tougher, but LA’s rental market is more cutthroat.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Los Angeles: Infamous. The 405, the 101, the 10—LA’s freeways are legendary for a reason. Commutes can easily be 1-2 hours each way, even for short distances. Public transit exists (Metro, buses) but is often impractical for many. Car ownership is non-negotiable.
• Fairfield: Commuting is the raison d'être for many Fairfield residents. If you work in the Bay Area, you’ll likely face a brutal 1.5-2 hour drive (or train ride) each way on I-80. However, local commutes within Solano County are much easier. Traffic is minimal compared to LA, and getting around town is a breeze.

Winner: Fairfield for local ease, but both cities have significant commute challenges depending on your job location.

Weather

• Los Angeles: The poster child for mild, Mediterranean climate. Average temp hovers around 54°F, but it’s the lack of extremes that’s appealing. You get plenty of sun, minimal rain, and no snow. Summers can be hot inland, but coastal breeze is a savior.
• Fairfield: Experiences a more continental climate. Winters are colder and wetter (averaging 41°F), with a higher chance of frost. Summers can be quite hot. It’s a true four-season experience, which some love and others find dreary.

Winner: Los Angeles for consistent, pleasant weather. If you hate cold and rain, LA is your paradise.

Crime & Safety

Let’s be direct. Both cities have crime, but the data tells a clear story.

• Los Angeles: Violent crime rate is 732.5 per 100k. While not the highest in the nation, it’s significantly above the national average. Safety can vary dramatically from neighborhood to neighborhood.
• Fairfield: Violent crime rate is 499.5 per 100k. While still above the national average, it’s notably lower than LA’s. Fairfield generally feels safer, especially in its suburban neighborhoods.

Winner: Fairfield is statistically safer. While no large city is crime-free, Fairfield offers a lower-risk environment.

The Final Verdict

There is no universal "better" city—only the better city for you. Here’s our breakdown:

• Winner for Families: Fairfield

  • Why? Affordable housing, lower crime rates, more space, and a community-oriented vibe make it a haven for raising kids. You can own a home with a yard without being house-poor.

• Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Los Angeles

  • Why? The social scene, career opportunities (especially in entertainment and tech), and sheer energy are unmatched. If you’re building a network and want a dynamic, 24/7 lifestyle, LA is where you need to be.

• Winner for Retirees: Fairfield

  • Why? Lower cost of living, safer environment, and a quieter pace of life are ideal for retirement. Proximity to Napa Valley for weekend trips is a huge bonus. LA’s pace and cost can be draining in later years.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Los Angeles

Pros:

• World-class entertainment, dining, and cultural scene.
• Iconic, mild weather year-round.
• Massive job market in diverse industries.
• Beaches, mountains, and desert all within reach.

Cons:

• Astronomical cost of living, especially housing.
• Brutal traffic and long commutes.
• High crime rates in many areas.
• Competitive, fast-paced lifestyle can be exhausting.

Fairfield

Pros:

• Significantly more affordable housing (buy or rent).
• Lower violent crime rate than LA.
• Family-friendly, community-focused atmosphere.
• Proximity to Napa Valley, Sacramento, and the Bay Area.

Cons:

• Colder, wetter winters.
• Commutes to major metros (SF, Sacramento) can be grueling.
• Fewer cultural and entertainment options than LA.
• Can feel isolated or "sleepy" if you crave constant action.

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The Bottom Line: Choose Los Angeles if you’re chasing a dream, thrive on energy, and are willing to pay a premium for the experience. Choose Fairfield if you’re building a life, value financial stability, and want a comfortable home in a safe community. The data is clear: Fairfield offers more bang for your buck, but LA offers a lifestyle that’s priceless to some. Which trade-off are you willing to make?