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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Riverside is 26% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,812/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 17%
$88,575/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 18%
$542,100 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 59%
$1,880/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 20%
316,241
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $312/month cheaper in Riverside, saving renters about $3,744/year.

Median household income is $15,644/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Riverside or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Riverside is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Fullerton?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $312/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Fullerton?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $15,644/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 Riverside or Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

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