Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Fullerton, CA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Boston is 10% cheaper than Fullerton.

$2,093/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 1%
$94,755/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 10%
$710,400 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 21%
$2,176/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 3%
663,972
Population
141,278

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,464/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Boston or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Fullerton?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $31/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Fullerton?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $9,464/year higher in Fullerton.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Fullerton details →

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