Cost of Living: Chandler, AZ vs Fullerton, CA (2026)

Chandler

Arizona
134
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Chandler is 31% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,806/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 18%
$103,691/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$104,219/yr ≈ Same
$469,800 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 83%
$1,743/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 29%
278,123
Population
141,278

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chandler, AZ and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in Chandler, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $528/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chandler is $469,800 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandler vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Chandler or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chandler is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chandler and Fullerton?
Median rent in Chandler is $1,806/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, Chandler or Fullerton?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $528/year higher in Fullerton.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chandler or Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Chandler has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,806/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 Chandler details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

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