Cost of Living: Fullerton, CA vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Fullerton is 220% more expensive than Springfield.

$2,124/mo ↑ 125%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 56%
$104,219/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 37%
$859,600 ↑ 454%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 82%
$2,251/mo ↑ 131%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 57%
141,278
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,179/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $14,148/year.

Median household income is $38,682/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Springfield — common questions

Is Fullerton or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Springfield?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $1,179/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Springfield?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $38,682/year higher in Fullerton.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fullerton or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fullerton details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fullerton and Springfield

Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces