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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Fullerton is 135% more expensive than Odessa.

$2,124/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 38%
$104,219/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 30%
$859,600 ↑ 313%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 76%
$2,251/mo ↑ 80%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 44%
141,278
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $802/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $9,624/year.

Median household income is $31,189/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Odessa — common questions

Is Fullerton or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Odessa?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $802/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Odessa?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $31,189/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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fullerton details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fullerton and Odessa

Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham