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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Phoenix is 44% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,458/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 46%
$77,041/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 35%
$381,900 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 125%
$1,430/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 57%
1,624,832
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

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $666/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $7,992/year.

Median household income is $27,178/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Phoenix or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Fullerton?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $666/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Fullerton?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $27,178/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 Phoenix or Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Phoenix and Fullerton

Phoenix vs. Houston Phoenix vs. Philadelphia Phoenix vs. Chicago Phoenix vs. San Antonio Phoenix vs. Los Angeles Phoenix vs. San Diego Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren