Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Fullerton, CA (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Tempe is 38% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,623/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 31%
$77,643/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 34%
$421,900 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 104%
$1,554/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 45%
186,419
Population
141,278

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $501/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $6,012/year.

Median household income is $26,576/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tempe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Tempe or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Fullerton?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $501/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Fullerton?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $26,576/year higher in Fullerton.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Fullerton

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren