Cost of Living: Fullerton, CA vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Fullerton is 86% more expensive than Clearwater.

$2,124/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 28%
$104,219/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 38%
$859,600 ↑ 164%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 62%
$2,251/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 37%
141,278
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $585/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $7,020/year.

Median household income is $39,779/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Fullerton or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Clearwater?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $585/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Clearwater?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $39,779/year higher in Fullerton.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fullerton or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fullerton details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fullerton and Clearwater

Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville