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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Oakland and Fullerton have a similar cost of living.

$1,917/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 11%
$97,369/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 7%
$924,700 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$859,600 ↓ 7%
$2,164/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 4%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $207/month cheaper in Oakland, saving renters about $2,484/year.

Median household income is $6,850/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Oakland or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fullerton is cheaper to live in with an index of 195 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Fullerton?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $207/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Fullerton?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $6,850/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 Oakland or Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Fullerton details →

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