2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Fairfield, CA vs Lake Forest, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Lake Forest older or younger than people in Fairfield?
- The Median Age in Lake Forest is 4.9 years older than in Fairfield.

Are housing costs cheaper in Lake Forest or Fairfield?
- Lake Forest housing costs are 54.1% more expensive than Fairfield housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Lake Forest or Fairfield?
- The average commute for residents of Lake Forest is 4.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Fairfield.

Things to do in Fairfield?
Fairfield, California is a beautiful city situated in the heart of the Bay Area. With its mild climate year-round, it's the perfect destination to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Visitors can explore nearby wine country, take advantage of the area’s cultural attractions such as art galleries and museums, or simply marvel at the stunning views of rolling hills and vineyards. With its convenient location close to both San Francisco and Sacramento, Fairfield offers something for everyone!

Things to do in Lake Forest?
Lake Forest, California markets itself as the ultimate Southern California lifestyle with numerous parks, shopping centers, and miles of trails giving visitors plenty of options for an active lifestyle.

 Fairfield, CALake Forest, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock85,516329,725,481
 Median Income$92,625  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock40.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$608,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time30.83  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Fairfield    10 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

I've lived here for 4 years. On the up side, housing is affordable. The downside, there is nothing to do here. The city lacks community events and an a nice downtown. We  More

   |    Reply

Over 10 years ago

I am finding out the cost of living here in Fairfield is way too high for my retirement. I am looking for a place where the cost of living is in line with my retirement  More

   |    Reply

Over 14 years ago

good  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Fairfield

Reviews for Lake Forest    16 Reviews

I've lived in Lake Forest for over a decade, before that elsewhere in OC and also up in LA. Lake Forest isn't perfect but it's really improved over the past decade,  More

   |    Reply

As a retired senior who has lived in Lake Forest (formerly El Toro) since 1977 I think LF is a great place if you can afford it. When we moved here in June '77 homes  More

   |    Reply

I’ve lived here for 2 years. Ok, it’s more like a 4 but there are so many idiots downplaying what it’s like here and giving Lake Forest ones and twos. There are a lot of  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Lake Forest


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.