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

Torrance

California
218
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Torrance is 12% more expensive than Fullerton.

$2,214/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↓ 4%
$113,105/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↓ 8%
$1,036,600 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$859,600 ↓ 17%
$2,295/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↓ 2%
143,499
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

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Torrance, CA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 218 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $90/month cheaper in Fullerton, saving renters about $1,080/year.

Median household income is $8,886/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Torrance is $1,036,600 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Torrance vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Torrance or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fullerton is cheaper to live in with an index of 195 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Torrance and Fullerton?
Median rent in Torrance is $2,214/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $90/month.
Which city has higher income, Torrance or Fullerton?
Median household income is $113,105 in Torrance and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $8,886/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance or Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Torrance has a cost index of 218 with median rent of $2,214/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 Torrance details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Torrance and Fullerton

Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren