Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Fullerton, CA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Mesa is 45% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,478/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 44%
$78,779/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 32%
$364,300 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 136%
$1,404/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 60%
507,478
Population
141,278

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $646/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $7,752/year.

Median household income is $25,440/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Mesa or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Fullerton?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $646/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Fullerton?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $25,440/year higher in Fullerton.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Fullerton

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren