Fullerton, CA vs. Ontario, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison between Fullerton and Ontario, two cities in Southern California’s Inland Empire region. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of living in Fullerton vs Ontario in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Fullerton and Ontario compare for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Fullerton | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,350 | $1,950 |
| Median 3BR House Price | $950,000 | $650,000 |
🏆 Winner: Ontario. Housing costs, both for renting and buying, tend to be significantly lower in Ontario compared to Fullerton.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, as they share a climate. Expect the following monthly utility costs:
- Electricity: $120-180 (higher in summer for A/C)
- Gas: $40-80 (higher in winter for heating)
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $60-100
- Internet: $50-80
🏆 Winner: Tie. No major difference in utility costs between Fullerton and Ontario.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are comparable in Fullerton and Ontario, with major chains like Ralphs, Albertsons, and Stater Bros Markets available in both cities. Budget around $400-500 per month for groceries for a typical family. Eating out costs slightly less in Ontario, but the difference is minor for most budgets.
🏆 Winner: Ontario, but only slightly. Groceries and daily expenses are similar between the two cities.
4. Taxes and Fees
Both cities have a sales tax rate of 7.75%. However, property taxes are higher in Fullerton, typically around 1.1-1.3% of assessed value vs 1.0-1.2% in Ontario.
For homeowners, HOA fees in Fullerton often include landscaping and trash, ranging from $200-500/month. Ontario HOA fees are slightly lower on average.
🏆 Winner: Ontario. Lower property taxes and HOA fees give Ontario the edge.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Fullerton | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR House) | $3,800 | $2,600 |
| Utilities | $270 | $270 |
| Groceries | $500 | $450 |
| Transportation | $150 | $130 |
| Taxes (1.2% property tax) | $950 | $650 |
| Miscellaneous | $500 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $6,170 | $4,500 |
Note: All income and cost figures are expressed as gross monthly amounts (pre-tax).
6. Lifestyle Fit
Fullerton offers a denser suburban feel, with walkable neighborhoods and a lively downtown area. Ontario provides more space for the money, with larger homes and yards, but longer commutes are common.
Fullerton averages 5°F cooler than Ontario in the summer months, thanks to being closer to the coast. But both cities enjoy a warm, sunny climate overall.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Fullerton more affordable than Ontario? No, Ontario has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Ontario has lower average rent prices for apartments and houses.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Ontario has significantly lower home prices than Fullerton. You can expect to spend $200-300K less on a comparable home in Ontario.
8. Conclusion
While both cities offer a high quality of life, Ontario comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison. Families looking to buy a home and put down roots will find their money goes much further in Ontario. But for those who value walkability and don’t mind less space, Fullerton can still be a great fit.
Budgeting is an important part of any move. Check out our Monthly Budget Examples for Fullerton Residents for more insights on managing finances in the area. You can also find more details in our full Cost of Living in Fullerton (2025 Guide).