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

Palmdale

California
130
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Palmdale is 33% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,736/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 22%
$81,151/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 28%
$435,300 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 97%
$1,831/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 23%
165,487
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $388/month cheaper in Palmdale, saving renters about $4,656/year.

Median household income is $23,068/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Palmdale vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Palmdale or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palmdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palmdale and Fullerton?
Median rent in Palmdale is $1,736/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $388/month.
Which city has higher income, Palmdale or Fullerton?
Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $23,068/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 Palmdale or Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,736/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 Palmdale details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Palmdale and Fullerton

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