Buena Park, CA vs. Fullerton, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
The Johnsons, a family of four, are debating a move from their cramped Fullerton apartment to a more spacious home in nearby Buena Park. But before making the leap, they want to compare the real cost of living in each city. Will relocating to Buena Park save them money or stretch their budget even further in 2025? Let’s break it down.
Housing Costs: Buena Park vs Fullerton
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Buena Park and Fullerton. Here’s what the Johnsons can expect to pay in each city:
| Housing Type | Buena Park | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $2,400 | $2,700 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $850,000 | $950,000 |
🏆 Winner: Buena Park. The Johnsons could save $300 per month on rent by choosing a 2BR apartment in Buena Park over Fullerton. Buying a 3BR house would also cost around $100,000 less in Buena Park.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Both Buena Park and Fullerton have similar utility costs, with minor differences:
- In Buena Park, expect to pay around $180/month for electricity, gas, water, and trash for a 2BR apartment.
- Fullerton utility bills average closer to $200/month for the same setup.
- Both cities offer optional off-peak electricity plans to help lower costs.
🏆 Winner: Buena Park, but only by a slight margin of about $20/month.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
The Johnsons won’t see a major difference in their grocery and daily living costs between Buena Park and Fullerton. Prices are comparable for:
- A gallon of milk or loaf of bread
- Dining at local restaurants or fast food chains
- Basic goods at Target or Walmart
🏆 Winner: Tie. Neither Buena Park nor Fullerton has a significant edge for daily expenses.
Taxes and Fees
Here’s how property taxes and other local fees stack up:
- Buena Park’s property tax rate is 1.15%, slightly lower than Fullerton’s 1.20%.
- Both cities charge similar fees for utilities, parking permits, and city services.
- Fullerton has slightly higher business license fees for entrepreneurs.
🏆 Winner: Buena Park. Lower property taxes give it the advantage, especially for homeowners.
Buena Park vs Fullerton Cost of Living Summary
| Cost Factor | Buena Park | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $2,400 | $2,700 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $800 | $800 |
| Transportation | $100 | $80 |
| Taxes (Property) | 1.15% | 1.20% |
| Miscellaneous | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,880 | $4,180 |
Lifestyle Fit: Buena Park or Fullerton?
Beyond the hard costs, the Johnsons are weighing some lifestyle factors:
- Buena Park offers more square footage for the money, but Fullerton is more walkable.
- Fullerton has better public transit, but Buena Park has easier freeway access for commuting.
- Buena Park averages 2°F cooler than Fullerton in the summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Buena Park more affordable than Fullerton?
A: Yes, the cost of living in Buena Park is about 5-10% cheaper than Fullerton, mainly due to lower housing costs.
Q: Which city has lower rent, Buena Park or Fullerton?
A: Buena Park has lower rent, with a typical 2BR apartment costing around $2,400/month vs $2,700/month in Fullerton.
Q: Is it cheaper to buy a house in Buena Park or Fullerton?
A: Buena Park homes cost about 10% less on average. Expect to pay $850,000 for a 3BR house in Buena Park compared to $950,000 in Fullerton.
The Bottom Line
For the budget-conscious Johnson family, Buena Park offers clear savings over Fullerton, to the tune of $300 per month in lower housing costs alone. Utilities, taxes and daily expenses are comparable between the two cities.
Lifestyle factors like more space vs better walkability may tip the scales for some movers. But for those looking to save on monthly expenses, Buena Park comes out ahead. Of course, the Johnsons will need to weigh their specific needs to make the best choice.
Considering other cities in the area? Check out our monthly cost of living in Buena Park and Buena Park cost of living guide for 2025. If you do decide to make the move, be sure to compare moving company costs to get the best deal.