Cost of Living: Fullerton, CA vs College Station, TX (2026)

Fullerton

California
195
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Fullerton is 114% more expensive than College Station.

$2,124/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 45%
$104,219/yr ↑ 101%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 50%
$859,600 ↑ 163%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 62%
$2,251/mo ↑ 80%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 44%
141,278
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $956/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $11,472/year.

Median household income is $52,443/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs College Station — common questions

Is Fullerton or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and College Station?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $956/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or College Station?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $52,443/year higher in Fullerton.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fullerton or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fullerton details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fullerton and College Station

Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette