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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Modesto is 38% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,609/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 32%
$77,899/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 34%
$415,600 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 107%
$1,613/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 40%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $515/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $6,180/year.

Median household income is $26,320/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Modesto or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Fullerton?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $515/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Fullerton?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $26,320/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 Modesto or Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Fullerton

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren