Housing Costs in Fullerton

Housing is typically the biggest expense in most people’s monthly budgets. In Fullerton, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is around $2,400 per month as of 2025. For those looking to purchase a home, the typical mortgage payment on a 3-bedroom house is approximately $3,600 per month, assuming a 20% down payment.

Here’s a comparison table of common housing options and costs in Fullerton:

Housing Type	Estimated Monthly Cost
Studio Apartment	$1,600 – $1,900
1-Bedroom Apartment	$1,900 – $2,200
2-Bedroom Apartment	$2,200 – $2,600
3-Bedroom House (Rented)	$3,000 – $3,500
3-Bedroom House (Mortgaged)	$3,400 – $4,000

It’s important to note that some neighborhoods or complexes in Fullerton may have Homeowners Association (HOA) fees, which can add $200-500 to the monthly housing cost. However, HOAs are more common in newer developments and are optional in many cases.

Utilities and Energy Bills

Utility costs in Fullerton are relatively moderate compared to other parts of Southern California. For an average 2-bedroom apartment, residents can expect to pay around $120 per month for electricity, $30 for gas, $60 for water, and $30 for trash and recycling services.

However, utility bills can vary significantly based on individual usage and seasonal changes. Electricity costs tend to spike in the summer months as air conditioning becomes a necessity. A typical summer electric bill for a Fullerton apartment may climb to $150-200.

Here’s a monthly estimate for common utility expenses:

• Electricity: $90 – $200
• Natural Gas: $20 – $50
• Water/Sewage/Trash: $70 – $120
• Internet: $50 – $100

By budgeting around $300 per month for utilities, most Fullerton residents can cover their basic energy and service needs. Larger homes or those with less efficient appliances may need to allocate more.

Groceries and Daily Expenses

Food is another major component of the monthly cost of living in Fullerton. For a single person, a typical grocery bill will run around $300-400 per month, assuming most meals are prepared at home. Couples should budget closer to $600-800, while families with children may spend over $1,000 on groceries each month.

Dining out is a popular option in Fullerton, with a wide variety of restaurants and cuisines available. Expect to pay $12-15 for a basic meal at a casual eatery, or $30+ per person for dinner at an upscale establishment. Allocating $200-300 per month for dining out is reasonable for most individuals.

Don’t forget to factor in household essentials like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and paper goods. Budgeting $50-100 per person each month should cover these items.

Taxes and Fees

California is known for its relatively high tax rates, and Fullerton is no exception. The sales tax in Fullerton is 7.75%, which applies to most goods and some services. For homeowners, the property tax rate in Orange County is approximately 0.72% of the assessed value annually.

Vehicle ownership comes with additional costs like registration fees, which can range from $50 to $500 per year in California depending on the car’s value. Drivers should also budget for car insurance, gasoline, and regular maintenance.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of common tax and fee expenses in Fullerton:

Expense	Estimated Cost
Sales Tax	7.75% on taxable goods
Property Tax	0.72% of home value annually
Vehicle Registration	$50 – $500 per year
Car Insurance	$100 – $200 per month

Monthly Budget Summary

So what does it really cost to live comfortably in Fullerton? Here’s a sample monthly budget table for different household types:

Expense	Single Person	Couple	Family of 4
Housing	$1,900	$2,400	$3,600
Utilities	$250	$300	$450
Groceries	$350	$700	$1,100
Dining Out	$250	$400	$600
Transportation	$300	$500	$800
Other	$500	$800	$1,200
Monthly Total	$3,550	$5,100	$7,750

Keep in mind these are approximate pre-tax figures. To live comfortably in Fullerton, a single person should aim to earn at least $4,200 in gross monthly income, while a couple will need closer to $6,000, and a family of four around $9,000.

Lifestyle Considerations

Of course, the cost of living is just one factor when considering a move to Fullerton. Residents enjoy a high quality of life, with access to excellent schools, parks, dining and entertainment options. The city has a suburban feel, with most people commuting 20-30 minutes for work.

Newer homes and luxury apartments come at a premium in Fullerton, so those on a tighter budget may need to consider an older property or a longer commute. The tradeoff is more living space and amenities compared to what the same budget would afford in nearby Los Angeles or Irvine.

Overall, Fullerton offers a relatively affordable option for those seeking a comfortable suburban lifestyle in the heart of Orange County. While not cheap by national standards, it compares favorably to other desirable Southern California cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in Fullerton?
  A: A gross monthly income of $4,200 for a single person, $6,000 for a couple, or $9,000 for a family of four is recommended to cover basic expenses and live comfortably in Fullerton.

• Q: Is Fullerton more affordable than other parts of Orange County?
  
  A: Yes, Fullerton tends to be more budget-friendly than cities like Irvine or Newport Beach, while still offering a high standard of living. Housing costs are the biggest differentiator.

• Q: Are utilities expensive in Fullerton?
  A: Utility costs in Fullerton are moderate for Southern California, with most apartments averaging $250-300 per month. Larger homes and summer cooling needs may increase this figure.

• Q: How much does food cost in Fullerton?
  A: Groceries for a single person average $350 per month in Fullerton, with couples spending around $700 and families up to $1,100. Budget an additional $200-600 monthly for dining out.

• Q: What salary do I need to buy a house in Fullerton?
  A: To comfortably afford the typical $3,600 mortgage payment on a 3-bedroom house in Fullerton, aim for a household income of at least $9,000 per month before taxes.

• Q: What’s the sales tax rate in Fullerton?
  A: The sales tax in Fullerton is 7.75% as of 2025, which is the base rate for all of Orange County. This applies to most goods and some services.

• Q: Is Fullerton a good place to live?
  A: Fullerton offers an appealing suburban lifestyle, with good schools, safe neighborhoods, diverse food and entertainment options. It’s a solid choice for families and professionals.