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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Fullerton is 11% cheaper than Pasadena.

$2,124/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 4%
$104,219/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$103,778/yr ≈ Same
$859,600 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 22%
$2,251/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 4%
141,278
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in Fullerton, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $441/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Fullerton or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fullerton is cheaper to live in with an index of 195 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Pasadena?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $94/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Pasadena?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $441/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fullerton details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fullerton and Pasadena

Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth