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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Orange

California
206

Fremont is 35% more expensive than Orange.

$2,905/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↓ 22%
$176,350/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↓ 34%
$1,289,400 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$900,700 ↓ 30%
$3,000/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↓ 20%
228,518
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $653/month cheaper in Orange, saving renters about $7,836/year.

Median household income is $59,405/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Orange — common questions

Is Fremont or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Orange is cheaper to live in with an index of 206 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Orange?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $653/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Orange?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $59,405/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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fremont details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Orange

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City