Cost of Living: Fullerton, CA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Fullerton is 28% more expensive than Arvada.

$2,124/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↓ 15%
$104,219/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 9%
$859,600 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$600,800 ↓ 30%
$2,251/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↓ 13%
141,278
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $322/month cheaper in Arvada, saving renters about $3,864/year.

Median household income is $9,177/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Arvada — common questions

Is Fullerton or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arvada is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Arvada?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $322/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Arvada?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $9,177/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Fullerton or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fullerton details → View Arvada details →

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