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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Richmond

California
161

Fullerton is 21% more expensive than Richmond.

$2,124/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↓ 11%
$104,219/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 14%
$859,600 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$650,100 ↓ 24%
$2,251/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↓ 10%
141,278
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $229/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $2,748/year.

Median household income is $14,181/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Richmond — common questions

Is Fullerton or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 161 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Richmond?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $229/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Richmond?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $14,181/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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fullerton details → View Richmond details →

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