Is Fullerton, CA cheaper than Sunnyvale, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Fullerton, CA is 12.0% cheaper than Sunnyvale, CA. This translates to saving $902 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Sunnyvale, CA, you'd need approximately $139,179.745 in Fullerton, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Fullerton, CA is 30.5% cheaper than in Sunnyvale, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,213/month in Fullerton, CA compared to $4,110/month in Sunnyvale, CA.

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

Moving from Sunnyvale, CA to Fullerton, CA could save you approximately $902 per month, or $10820 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Sunnyvale, 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 Sunnyvale, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $902/month moving to Fullerton, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.2K in Fullerton, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 12.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$902

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.8K

Per year

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

Sunnyvale, CA

Population:152K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.91M

Fullerton, CA

Population:139K

Cost Index:

(12% below avg)

Median Home:$833K

Sunnyvale, CA

The Golden State

152K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 152K 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: Sunnyvale, CA vs Fullerton, CA

Category	Sunnyvale, CA	Fullerton, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,640/mo	$5,309/mo	↓ $2,331less	30.5%
Transportation	$1,407/mo	$2,121/mo	↑ $714more	50.7%
Healthcare	$706/mo	$547/mo	↓ $160less	22.6%
Other	$1,825/mo	$1,694/mo	↓ $130less	7.1%
Groceries	$1,129/mo	$1,030/mo	↓ $99.01less	8.8%
All Utilities	$464/mo	$552/mo	↑ $88.02more	19.0%

Housing

↓ 30.5%

Sunnyvale, CA

$7,640

Fullerton, CA

$5,309

Difference

$2,331

less

Transportation

↑ 50.7%

Sunnyvale, CA

$1,407

Fullerton, CA

$2,121

Difference

$714

Healthcare

↓ 22.6%

Sunnyvale, CA

$706

Fullerton, CA

$547

Difference

$160

less

Other

↓ 7.1%

Sunnyvale, CA

$1,825

Fullerton, CA

$1,694

Difference

$130

less

Groceries

↓ 8.8%

Sunnyvale, CA

$1,129

Fullerton, CA

$1,030

Difference

$99.01

less

All Utilities

↑ 19.0%

Sunnyvale, CA

$464

Fullerton, CA

$552

Difference

$88.02

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,090

To$1,462

↓ $1,628

1 Bed

From$3,520

To$1,712

↓ $1,808

2 Bed

From$4,110

To$2,213

↓ $1,897

3 Bed

From$5,430

To$3,174

↓ $2,256

Sunnyvale, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,310–$3,580/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.

$13,172

Monthly in Sunnyvale, CA

$11,253

Monthly in Fullerton, CA

$1,919

Difference

Home Values

Sunnyvale

Fullerton

$1.91M

Median Value

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↑ +23.8%

5-Year Change

$1.44M - $2.76M

Price Range

Calculate payment - Sunnyvale

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

Sunnyvale, 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

Sunnyvale, 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.