Cost of Living: Fullerton, CA vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Fullerton is 13% more expensive than Stamford.

$2,124/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 4%
$104,219/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 3%
$859,600 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$614,300 ↓ 29%
$2,251/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 5%
141,278
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Fullerton, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $3,255/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Stamford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Stamford — common questions

Is Fullerton or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stamford is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Stamford?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Stamford?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $3,255/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fullerton or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fullerton details → View Stamford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fullerton and Stamford

Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren Stamford vs. Elizabeth Stamford vs. Kent Stamford vs. Victorville Stamford vs. Midland Stamford vs. Miramar Stamford vs. Coral Springs