Cost of Living: Long Beach, CA vs Fullerton, CA (2026)

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Long Beach is 13% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,803/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 18%
$83,969/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 24%
$762,200 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 13%
$1,890/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 19%
458,491
Population
141,278

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $321/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $3,852/year.

Median household income is $20,250/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Long Beach or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Long Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Fullerton?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $321/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Fullerton?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $20,250/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 Long Beach or Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Fullerton details →

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