Cost of Living in Fullerton, CA
Population 141,278 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fullerton's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $860,000 for a typical home, 182% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $104,219 that put it in the upper third of the state. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.5% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fullerton
The median home value in Fullerton is $859,600 — 182% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,124/month, 62% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $104,219/year is 40% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 76.4°F and lows of 56.0°F. Overall, Fullerton has a cost of living index of 234 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 134% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 69 | 69 | 71 | 74 | 76 | 79 | 84 | 87 | 85 | 80 | 74 | 68 |
| Low °F | 46 | 48 | 52 | 54 | 58 | 63 | 66 | 66 | 65 | 58 | 51 | 46 |
| Precip" | 2.85 | 3.02 | 1.74 | 0.59 | 0.30 | 0.08 | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.14 | 0.50 | 0.74 | 1.86 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fullerton, CA?
Fullerton has a cost index of 234 (100 = national average). It is 134% above the national average.
What is average rent in Fullerton, CA?
The median gross rent in Fullerton is $2,124 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fullerton?
The median home value in Fullerton is $859,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fullerton?
The median household income in Fullerton is $104,219 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fullerton, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fullerton is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Fullerton, CA affordable?
Fullerton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 234 — about 134% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Fullerton?
Fullerton has average high temperatures of 76.4°F and average lows of 56.0°F. Annual precipitation is 11.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Fullerton at a Glance
- Population
- 141,278
- Median Income
- $104,219
- Home Value
- $859,600
- Median Rent
- $2,124/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 76.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs