Cost of Living: Fullerton, CA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Fullerton is 61% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$2,124/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 27%
$104,219/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 22%
$859,600 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 49%
$2,251/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 27%
141,278
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $572/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $6,864/year.

Median household income is $23,130/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Fullerton or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $572/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $23,130/year higher in Fullerton.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fullerton or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fullerton details → View Ann Arbor details →

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