Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Fullerton, CA (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Richmond is 50% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,314/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 62%
$62,671/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 66%
$328,100 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 162%
$1,374/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 64%
227,595
Population
141,278

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $810/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $9,720/year.

Median household income is $41,548/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Richmond slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Richmond or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Fullerton?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $810/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Fullerton?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $41,548/year higher in Fullerton.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Richmond or Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

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