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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Sacramento is 32% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,694/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 25%
$83,753/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 24%
$484,600 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 77%
$1,752/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 28%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $430/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $5,160/year.

Median household income is $20,466/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Sacramento or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Fullerton?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $430/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Fullerton?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $20,466/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 Sacramento or Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Fullerton details →

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