Cost of Living: Fullerton, CA vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Fullerton

California
195
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Fullerton is 64% more expensive than West Palm Beach.

$2,124/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 20%
$104,219/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 34%
$859,600 ↑ 132%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 57%
$2,251/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↓ 26%
141,278
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $415/month cheaper in West Palm Beach, saving renters about $4,980/year.

Median household income is $34,958/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Fullerton or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $415/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $34,958/year higher in Fullerton.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fullerton or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fullerton details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fullerton and West Palm Beach

Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings