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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Sunnyvale is 75% more expensive than Fullerton.

$3,065/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↓ 31%
$181,862/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↓ 43%
$1,816,600 ↑ 111%
Home Value
$859,600 ↓ 53%
$3,016/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↓ 25%
153,455
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

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $941/month cheaper in Fullerton, saving renters about $11,292/year.

Median household income is $77,643/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fullerton is cheaper to live in with an index of 195 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Fullerton?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $941/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Fullerton?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $77,643/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Fullerton details →

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