Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Fullerton, CA (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Elk Grove is 14% cheaper than Fullerton.

$2,180/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↓ 3%
$122,229/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↓ 15%
$603,400 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 42%
$2,227/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 1%
177,221
Population
141,278

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $56/month cheaper in Fullerton, saving renters about $672/year.

Median household income is $18,010/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elk Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 168 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Fullerton?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $56/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Fullerton?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $18,010/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Fullerton

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren