Is Fullerton, CA cheaper than Palmdale, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Fullerton, CA is 2.4% more expensive than Palmdale, CA. This translates to spending an extra $182 per month.

What salary do I need in Fullerton, CA to live like I do in Palmdale, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Palmdale, CA, you'd need approximately $152,186.437 in Fullerton, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Palmdale, CA and Fullerton, CA?

Housing in Fullerton, CA is 10.7% cheaper than in Palmdale, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,213/month in Fullerton, CA compared to $1,862/month in Palmdale, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Palmdale, CA to Fullerton, CA?

Living in Fullerton, CA costs approximately $182 more per month than Palmdale, CA, or $2186 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Palmdale, CA vs Fullerton, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Palmdale, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $182/month more in Fullerton, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.2K in Fullerton, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$182

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Palmdale, CA

Population:161K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$489K

Fullerton, CA

Population:139K

Cost Index:

102

(2% above avg)

Median Home:$833K

Palmdale, CA

The Golden State

161K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 161K residents.

Fullerton, CA

The Golden State

139K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 139K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Palmdale, CA vs Fullerton, CA

Category	Palmdale, CA	Fullerton, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,945/mo	$5,309/mo	↓ $637less	10.7%
Transportation	$1,840/mo	$2,121/mo	↑ $281more	15.3%
Other	$1,476/mo	$1,694/mo	↑ $219more	14.8%
Groceries	$960/mo	$1,030/mo	↑ $69.72more	7.3%
All Utilities	$515/mo	$552/mo	↑ $37.89more	7.4%
Healthcare	$511/mo	$547/mo	↑ $35.19more	6.9%

Housing

↓ 10.7%

Palmdale, CA

$5,945

Fullerton, CA

$5,309

Difference

$637

less

Transportation

↑ 15.3%

Palmdale, CA

$1,840

Fullerton, CA

$2,121

Difference

$281

Other

↑ 14.8%

Palmdale, CA

$1,476

Fullerton, CA

$1,694

Difference

$219

Groceries

↑ 7.3%

Palmdale, CA

$960

Fullerton, CA

$1,030

Difference

$69.72

All Utilities

↑ 7.4%

Palmdale, CA

$515

Fullerton, CA

$552

Difference

$37.89

Healthcare

↑ 6.9%

Palmdale, CA

$511

Fullerton, CA

$547

Difference

$35.19

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,333

To$1,462

↑ $129

1 Bed

From$1,493

To$1,712

↑ $219

2 Bed

From$1,862

To$2,213

↑ $351

3 Bed

From$2,362

To$3,174

↑ $812

Palmdale, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,060–$2,060/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,247

Monthly in Palmdale, CA

$11,253

Monthly in Fullerton, CA

$5.64

Difference

Home Values

Palmdale

Fullerton

$489K

Median Value

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↑ +31.3%

5-Year Change

Calculate payment - Palmdale

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Palmdale, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Fullerton, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Palmdale, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Fullerton, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.