Cost of Living: Fullerton, CA vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Fullerton is 84% more expensive than Manchester.

$2,124/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↓ 31%
$104,219/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 26%
$859,600 ↑ 156%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 61%
$2,251/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↓ 31%
141,278
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $659/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $7,908/year.

Median household income is $26,804/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Manchester — common questions

Is Fullerton or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Manchester?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $659/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Manchester?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $26,804/year higher in Fullerton.
How do taxes compare between California and New Hampshire?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fullerton or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fullerton details → View Manchester details →

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