Cost of Living: Fullerton, CA vs Independence, MO (2026)

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Fullerton is 191% more expensive than Independence.

$2,124/mo ↑ 100%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 50%
$104,219/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 43%
$859,600 ↑ 417%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 81%
$2,251/mo ↑ 115%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 54%
141,278
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,063/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $12,756/year.

Median household income is $44,739/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Independence — common questions

Is Fullerton or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Independence?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $1,063/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Independence?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $44,739/year higher in Fullerton.
How do taxes compare between California and Missouri?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Fullerton or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fullerton details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fullerton and Independence

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