Cost of Living in Fullerton, CA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,109 (excluding rent), and $3,446 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,122 (excluding rent), and $7,228 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$25.24 $25.24

$11.11 $11.11

$50.5 $50.5

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$84.9 $84.9

$59.9 $59.9

$89.9 $89.9

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.38 $11.38

$9.89 $9.89

$14.84 $14.84

Cappuccino

$5.43 $5.43

$3.91 $3.91

$7.82 $7.82

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.78 $2.78

$2.05 $2.05

$3.08 $3.08

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.95 $1.95

$2.93 $2.93

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.3 $7.3

$3.89 $3.89

$7.79 $7.79

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.53 $8.53

$6.02 $6.02

$10.04 $10.04

Milk (1 liter)

$1.2 $1.2

$0.9 $0.9

$1.55 $1.55

White Bread (500g)

$3.98 $3.98

$2.17 $2.17

$5.56 $5.56

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.2 $4.2

$1.78 $1.78

$6.72 $6.72

Eggs

$4.52 $4.52

$3.01 $3.01

$8.04 $8.04

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.82 $10.82

$5.17 $5.17

$15.15 $15.15

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.52 $8.52

$4.31 $4.31

$17.23 $17.23

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$14.69 $14.69

$8.89 $8.89

$27.83 $27.83

Apples (1kg)

$3.55 $3.55

$2.84 $2.84

$6.78 $6.78

Banana (1kg)

$1.92 $1.92

$1.02 $1.02

$3.39 $3.39

Oranges (1kg)

$3.88 $3.88

$1.77 $1.77

$7.77 $7.77

Tomato (1kg)

$5.64 $5.64

$1.67 $1.67

$8.89 $8.89

Potato (1kg)

$3.26 $3.26

$1.01 $1.01

$4.44 $4.44

Onion (1kg)

$3.24 $3.24

$1.75 $1.75

$4.44 $4.44

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.48 $1.48

$1.01 $1.01

$2.01 $2.01

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.19 $2.19

$1.42 $1.42

$2.63 $2.63

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.95 $10.95

$9.54 $9.54

$11.45 $11.45

Wine (Bottle)

$15.15 $15.15

$6.05 $6.05

$45.46 $45.46

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.78 $1.78

$4.4 $4.4

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.68 $4.68

$1.52 $1.52

$8.09 $8.09

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.18 $2.18

$1.94 $1.94

$2.43 $2.43

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$64.6 $64.6

$60.1 $60.1

$69.1 $69.1

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.98 $3.98

$2.99 $2.99

$9.96 $9.96

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.67 $1.67

$3.7 $3.7

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$31.37 $31.37

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.29 $1.29

$1.16 $1.16

$1.35 $1.35

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$23.7K $23.7K

$28.2K $28.2K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$23.8K $23.8K

$23.6K $23.6K

$26.9K $26.9K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$200 $200

$120 $120

$289 $289

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$50.8 $50.8

$20.32 $20.32

$91.5 $91.5

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$63.8 $63.8

$49.07 $49.07

$78.5 $78.5

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$40.74 $40.74

$17.82 $17.82

$50.9 $50.9

Cinema Ticket

$14.23 $14.23

$10.16 $10.16

$18.29 $18.29

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,387 $1,387

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$40.6K $40.6K

$30.3K $30.3K

$43.1K $43.1K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$70.3 $70.3

$25.47 $25.47

$81.5 $81.5

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$34.08 $34.08

$14.74 $14.74

$59 $59

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$83.8 $83.8

$59 $59

$98.3 $98.3

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$122 $122

$50.9 $50.9

$122 $122

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,541 $2,541

$2,361 $2,361

$2,720 $2,720

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,008 $2,008

$1,978 $1,978

$2,038 $2,038

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,876 $3,876

$3,580 $3,580

$4,044 $4,044

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$4,089 $4,089

$3,619 $3,619

$5,027 $5,027

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$5,487 $5,487

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,844 $4,844

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.58

6.19

7.7

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: December 2, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Fullerton, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, Fullerton balances convenient access to the coast with a quieter, more walkable downtown. The town tends to be friendlier on housing and everyday expenses than some coastal hubs, while still offering solid dining, coworking spaces, and reliable services. If you measure it by the Cost of Living in Fullerton, CA, United States, you may find a sensible middle ground between big-city costs and suburban steadiness. Neighborhoods range from compact apartment blocks near the station to leafy streets close to parks and schools. Tip: Pick a neighborhood that fits your work rhythm – near transit if you commute, or near cafes if you need coworking vibes.

Housing searches in Fullerton tend to favor walkable downtown blocks or quieter suburban streets within easy reach of campuses, shopping, and transit. Look for 1- to 2-bedroom options near the Metrolink line or close to freeway access for easier day trips. For daily sustenance, you will find a mix of casual eateries, family-owned markets, and farmers markets that offer seasonal produce. Public transit is practical for errands, and biking is feasible in many neighborhoods. Fullerton, CA, United States living cost varies by district, so compare a few areas before committing. Tip: Start with a 2-week stay in a neighborhood you are curious about to test the vibe.

Quality of life hinges on neighborhood fit, work rhythm, and how you structure your budget. If you treat the month as blocks of groceries, transit, and housing, you can spot where you save: choosing a smaller, central unit with good natural light, sharing amenities, or negotiating longer lease terms. The seasonal tempo in Fullerton is usually mild, with outdoor activities thriving most of the year, which supports a social, active lifestyle. Consider which area suits your pace: a compact core for nightlife and coworking, or calmer streets for focus days. Tip: build a simple, monthly plan that tracks housing, food, transport, and wellness expenses.