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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Fullerton is 22% cheaper than Berkeley.

$2,124/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ≈ Same
$104,219/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 4%
$859,600 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 57%
$2,251/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 4%
141,278
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,339/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Fullerton or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fullerton is cheaper to live in with an index of 195 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Berkeley?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $3/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Berkeley?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $4,339/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Fullerton or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fullerton details → View Berkeley details →

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