Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Fullerton, CA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Los Angeles is 4% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,879/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 13%
$80,366/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 30%
$879,500 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$859,600 ↓ 2%
$2,055/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 10%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $245/month cheaper in Los Angeles, saving renters about $2,940/year.

Median household income is $23,853/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 187 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Fullerton?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $245/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Fullerton?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $23,853/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 Los Angeles or Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Fullerton details →

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