Aliso Viejo, CA vs Fullerton, CA

Fullerton is moderately more affordable than Aliso Viejo, with a 11.5% lower cost of living index. Aliso Viejo scores 195 compared to 175 for Fullerton, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Aliso Viejo can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Aliso Viejo is $2,774/month compared to $2,124/month in Fullerton — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fullerton is more affordable at $859,600 median vs $863,800.

Median household income in Aliso Viejo is $137,970 compared to $104,219 in Fullerton (+32.4%). While Aliso Viejo is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Aliso Viejo spend roughly 24.1% of their income on rent, less than the 24.5% in Fullerton.