Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Fullerton, CA (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Plano is 32% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,792/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 19%
$108,649/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↓ 4%
$440,600 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 95%
$1,829/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 23%
287,339
Population
141,278

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $332/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $3,984/year.

Median household income is $4,430/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Plano or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Fullerton?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $332/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Fullerton?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $4,430/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Fullerton

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