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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Fullerton is 52% more expensive than Richardson.

$2,124/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↓ 14%
$104,219/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↓ 8%
$859,600 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 53%
$2,251/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↓ 20%
141,278
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $299/month cheaper in Richardson, saving renters about $3,588/year.

Median household income is $7,962/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Richardson — common questions

Is Fullerton or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Richardson?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $299/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Richardson?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $7,962/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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fullerton details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fullerton and Richardson

Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater