Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Fullerton, CA (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Fresno is 48% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,324/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 60%
$66,804/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 56%
$348,500 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 147%
$1,391/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 62%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $800/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $9,600/year.

Median household income is $37,415/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Fresno or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Fullerton?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $800/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Fullerton?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $37,415/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fresno or Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Fullerton details →

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