Home / Compare / Fullerton vs San Jacinto

Fullerton, CA vs San Jacinto, CA

175
Fullerton
California
VS
+46.9%
119
San Jacinto
California

The cost of living difference between Fullerton, CA and San Jacinto, CA is dramatic. San Jacinto is 46.9% cheaper than Fullerton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fullerton has a cost index of 175 while San Jacinto sits at 119, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month compared to $1,633/month in San Jacinto — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: San Jacinto is more affordable at $391,600 median vs $859,600.

Median household income in Fullerton is $104,219 compared to $78,281 in San Jacinto (+33.1%). The higher salaries in Fullerton partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Fullerton spend roughly 24.5% of their income on rent, less than the 25% in San Jacinto.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (66.2°F vs 63.3°F). Fullerton receives more rainfall at 11.9" per year compared to 10.7" in San Jacinto.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Fullerton
175
San Jacinto
119
32% cheaper
Median Household Income
Fullerton
$104,219
25% higher
San Jacinto
$78,281

Housing

Median Rent
Fullerton
$2,124
San Jacinto
$1,633
23% cheaper
Median Home Value
Fullerton
$859,600
San Jacinto
$391,600
54% cheaper
Population
Fullerton
141,278
San Jacinto
54,756

Salary Equivalency Calculator

What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Fullerton $2,031
San Jacinto $2,020
1% cheaper
1 Bed
Fullerton $2,272
San Jacinto $2,148
5% cheaper
2 Bed
Fullerton $2,835
San Jacinto $2,675
6% cheaper
3 Bed
Fullerton $3,599
San Jacinto $3,520
2% cheaper
4 Bed
Fullerton $4,010
San Jacinto $4,178
4% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Fullerton $3.28
San Jacinto $3.13
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Fullerton $2.68
San Jacinto $2.55
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Fullerton $4.31
San Jacinto $4.11
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Fullerton $1.98
San Jacinto $1.89
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Fullerton $4.44
San Jacinto $4.22
US $4.14
Electricity
Fullerton $0.27
San Jacinto $0.31
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Fullerton 66.2°F
San Jacinto 63.3°F
Summer High
Fullerton 84°F
San Jacinto 94°F
Winter Low
Fullerton 46°F
San Jacinto 37°F
Rainfall
Fullerton 11.9"
San Jacinto 10.7"
Rainy Days
Fullerton 38d
San Jacinto 0d