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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Temecula

California
179

Fullerton is 9% more expensive than Temecula.

$2,124/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↑ 8%
$104,219/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↑ 13%
$859,600 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$640,400 ↓ 26%
$2,251/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ↑ 8%
141,278
Population
110,404

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
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $173/month cheaper in Fullerton, saving renters about $2,076/year.

Median household income is $13,621/year higher in Temecula. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Temecula — common questions

Is Fullerton or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Temecula is cheaper to live in with an index of 179 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Temecula?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $173/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Temecula?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $13,621/year higher in Temecula.
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 Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fullerton details → View Temecula details →

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