Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Fullerton, CA (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Arlington is 51% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,389/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 53%
$73,519/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 42%
$276,400 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 211%
$1,420/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 59%
394,769
Population
141,278

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $735/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $8,820/year.

Median household income is $30,700/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Arlington or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Fullerton?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $735/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Fullerton?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $30,700/year higher in Fullerton.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Fullerton details →

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