Cost of Living: Fullerton, CA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Fullerton is 18% cheaper than Cambridge.

$2,124/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 29%
$104,219/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 21%
$859,600 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 21%
$2,251/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 17%
141,278
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $618/month cheaper in Fullerton, saving renters about $7,416/year.

Median household income is $22,250/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Fullerton or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fullerton is cheaper to live in with an index of 195 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Cambridge?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $618/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Cambridge?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $22,250/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fullerton or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fullerton details → View Cambridge details →

More Comparisons

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