City Report · CA

Fairfield

Pop. 120,785·277th most expensive in California·Rental market data updated monthly for Fairfield, CA
Median rent (all units)
$2,403/mo
Year-over-Year
-2.1%
Month-over-Month
-1.8%
vs US Median
+$441
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Fairfield · $2,403
More expensive than 76% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
74/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 12% below what Fairfield's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,403/mo
Expected by trend
$2,737/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Fairfield's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,875
1 BR
$2,065
2 BR
$2,635
3 BR
$3,530
4 BR+
$4,010
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$2,635/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,403 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$28,836/yr
At $2,403/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 2.1% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (-2.1% YoY, -1.8% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Fairfield, CA is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 26.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
120,785
Median income
$101,895
Median age
36.9
Renters
38.7%
Age distribution
24.1%
23.2%
26.2%
14.9%
Under 1824.1%
18–3423.2%
35–5426.2%
55–6411.5%
65+14.9%
Gender
49.9%
50.1%
Male49.9%
Female50.1%
Race & ethnicity
32.2%
14.5%
32.7%
18.1%
White32.2%
Black14.5%
Hispanic32.7%
Asian18.1%
Other2.5%
Education (25+)
13.4%
24.6%
35.4%
26.6%
No HS diploma13.4%
HS diploma24.6%
Some college35.4%
Bachelor's+26.6%
Housing tenure
61.3%
38.7%
Owner61.3%
Renter38.7%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Fairfield, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,045 → $2,403
up 17.5%
Income
$92,625 → $101,895
up 10.0%
Population
118,932 → 120,785
up 1.6%
Renter share
40.1% → 38.7%
-1.4 pts
Bachelor's+
28% → 26.6%
-1.4 pts
Median age
35.2 → 36.9
+1.7 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in Fairfield, CA has climbed from $2,045 to $2,403, a 17.5% change over five years. Household income in the area moved from $92,625 to $101,895 across the same window, up 10.0% versus 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 1.6% since 2021, moving from about 118,932 residents to roughly 120,785. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Fairfield, CA look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

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View Fairfield rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Fairfield on your salary?

At $2,403/mo, how Fairfield rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Fairfield rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Fairfield. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Fairfield

About renting in Fairfield, CA

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Fairfield is $2,403/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,875/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,635/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,065/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,530/mo.

At 28% of local median household income ($101,895/yr), Fairfield ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 2.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Fairfield an affordable city for renters?

Fairfield is considered affordable for renters. At $2,403/mo, rent takes approximately 28% of the local median household income ($101,895/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Fairfield falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Fairfield?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $96,000/year (~$46/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,403/mo in Fairfield. The local median household income is $101,895/yr, meaning the typical Fairfield household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Fairfield?

Rent in Fairfield has decreased 2.1% over the past year as of August 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Which Fairfield neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Fairfield are 94533 ($2,286/mo), and 94534 ($2,631/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Fairfield is $2,403/mo.

How does Fairfield rent compare to other cities in California?

Fairfield is one of the more affordable cities in California for rent, ranking #277 out of 381 tracked cities at $2,403/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Fairfield?

Vallejo is nearby and more affordable at $2,184/mo, which is $219 less than Fairfield.

What percentage of Fairfield residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 38.7% of Fairfield households are renters, while 61.3% are owner-occupied. Fairfield leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Fairfield rent compare to the national average?

Fairfield's median rent of $2,403/mo is $441 (22%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within California, it ranks #277 out of 381 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
28%
AFFORDABLE

At $2,403/mo, rent takes ~28% of Fairfield's median household income ($101,895/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Fairfield 28%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Fairfield affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Fairfield
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Fairfield, CA

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