Cost of Living: Fremont, CA vs Murrieta, CA (2026)

Fremont

California
278
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Fremont is 59% more expensive than Murrieta.

$2,905/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↓ 20%
$176,350/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↓ 38%
$1,289,400 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$606,900 ↓ 53%
$3,000/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↓ 21%
228,518
Population
111,621

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $575/month cheaper in Murrieta, saving renters about $6,900/year.

Median household income is $66,570/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Fremont or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murrieta is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Murrieta?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $575/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Murrieta?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $66,570/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fremont details → View Murrieta details →

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