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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Fullerton is 61% more expensive than Pearland.

$2,124/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↓ 17%
$104,219/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 8%
$859,600 ↑ 160%
Home Value
$330,900 ↓ 62%
$2,251/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↓ 13%
141,278
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $365/month cheaper in Pearland, saving renters about $4,380/year.

Median household income is $8,251/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Pearland — common questions

Is Fullerton or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pearland is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Pearland?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $365/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Pearland?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $8,251/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fullerton details → View Pearland details →

More Comparisons

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