Vacaville, CA has a cost of living roughly 12% below the California average, making it one of the most affordable cities in Solano County for families priced out of the Bay Area. The median home price sits near $530,000 as of early 2026, compared to $1.2M+ in Marin County, and monthly utilities average $180–$220 for a three-bedroom home. Written by Claudia Rodriguez Durksen, Premier Real Estate Expert, Navigate Real Estate, Solano County.
Housing Costs in Vacaville CA
Vacaville’s median home sale price is approximately $530,000. Single-family homes along the Alamo Drive corridor and near Orchard Avenue range from $480,000 to $650,000. Townhomes and condos near the Ulatis Creek Trail start around $350,000. Renters typically pay $1,800–$2,400 per month for a two-bedroom apartment, with units near the Nut Tree area commanding the upper end of that range.
How Does Vacaville Compare to Fairfield?
Fairfield’s median home price sits roughly 8% below Vacaville’s. However, Vacaville’s top-rated schools — including Will C. Wood High School and Cooper Elementary on Orchard Avenue — consistently draw families willing to pay that premium. Vacaville Unified School District serves approximately 13,000 students, and Markham Elementary on Markham Avenue holds an 8/10 rating on GreatSchools.
Groceries, Gas, and Transportation in Vacaville
Groceries in Vacaville run approximately 4% below the national average. A gallon of milk at Nugget Markets on Davis Street costs roughly $4.20. Gas averages $4.80 per gallon, reflecting California’s fuel tax. Daily commuters heading to Sacramento face 35–45 minutes on I-80; San Francisco is 60–75 minutes by car or accessible via Amtrak from the downtown station on Depot Street. Monthly transit passes for regional bus service through SolTrans cost approximately $75.
Utilities and Everyday Expenses
A three-bedroom home in Vacaville averages $180–$220 per month in combined electricity and gas, served by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). Water and sewer through the City of Vacaville averages an additional $80–$110 monthly. Internet service (fiber via AT&T or cable via Comcast) runs $60–$90/month. Childcare at licensed facilities near Alamo Plaza averages $1,400/month for full-time infant care.
Quality of Life: Parks, Safety, and Community
Vacaville’s violent crime rate is approximately 22% below the California state average. The city offers direct access to Lagoon Valley Regional Park — 322 acres with hiking, cycling, and a fishing lake just off Cherry Glen Road. The Nut Tree Airport area hosts a family entertainment complex and regular weekend events. Travis Air Force Base, located 8 miles south on I-80, is one of the city’s largest employers, providing economic stability to the local housing market.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cost of Living in Vacaville CA
What is the average home price in Vacaville CA?
The median home sale price in Vacaville is approximately $530,000 as of early 2026, making it one of the more affordable markets in Solano County compared to Bay Area cities.
Is Vacaville CA affordable compared to the Bay Area?
Yes. Vacaville’s cost of living is roughly 12% below the California average and significantly lower than Bay Area counties such as Marin ($1.2M+ median home price) and Contra Costa. It offers comparable quality of life at a fraction of the cost.
What are the best neighborhoods in Vacaville for families?
Families frequently choose the Alamo Drive corridor, the Orchard Avenue area near Cooper Elementary, and neighborhoods adjacent to Lagoon Valley Park for their combination of school quality, safety, and access to open space.
How long is the commute from Vacaville to Sacramento?
The average commute from Vacaville to Sacramento via I-80 is 35–45 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Amtrak service departs from the Depot Street station and connects to Sacramento in approximately 50 minutes.
What schools are in Vacaville CA?
Vacaville Unified School District operates 13 elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools including Will C. Wood High School. Markham Elementary is rated 8/10 on GreatSchools. Several private and charter options are also available within the district.
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Ready to Make Vacaville Home?
Vacaville offers exceptional value for Solano County buyers — strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and prices well below comparable Bay Area markets. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or relocating from across the region, Claudia Rodriguez Durksen at Navigate Real Estate knows this market block by block. Contact Claudia today for a free home valuation or to explore current listings in Vacaville.
