Cost of Living: Fullerton, CA vs Murrieta, CA (2026)

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Fullerton is 11% more expensive than Murrieta.

$2,124/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 10%
$104,219/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 5%
$859,600 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$606,900 ↓ 29%
$2,251/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 6%
141,278
Population
111,621

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $206/month cheaper in Fullerton, saving renters about $2,472/year.

Median household income is $5,561/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Fullerton or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murrieta is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Murrieta?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $206/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Murrieta?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $5,561/year higher in Murrieta.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fullerton or Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fullerton details → View Murrieta details →

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