Cost of Living: Fullerton, CA vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Fullerton is 175% more expensive than Abilene.

$2,124/mo ↑ 92%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 48%
$104,219/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 40%
$859,600 ↑ 380%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 79%
$2,251/mo ↑ 102%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 51%
141,278
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,018/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $12,216/year.

Median household income is $41,499/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Abilene — common questions

Is Fullerton or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Abilene?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $1,018/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Abilene?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $41,499/year higher in Fullerton.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fullerton or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fullerton details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fullerton and Abilene

Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland