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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Orange

California
206

Fullerton is 5% cheaper than Orange.

$2,124/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 6%
$104,219/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 12%
$859,600 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 5%
$2,251/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 6%
141,278
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $128/month cheaper in Fullerton, saving renters about $1,536/year.

Median household income is $12,726/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Orange — common questions

Is Fullerton or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fullerton is cheaper to live in with an index of 195 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Orange?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $128/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Orange?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $12,726/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fullerton details → View Orange details →

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