Fullerton, CA vs. San Bernardino, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to Fullerton or San Bernardino? Here’s a rapid-fire cost comparison to help you decide:
- 🏠 Median home price: Fullerton $950K, San Bernardino $450K
- ⚡ Average utility bill: Fullerton $180/mo, San Bernardino $220/mo
- 🥑 Groceries for family of 4: Fullerton $1100/mo, San Bernardino $950/mo
- 💸 Sales tax rate: Fullerton 7.75%, San Bernardino 8.75%
For a deeper dive, this article provides a comprehensive cost of living comparison between Fullerton and San Bernardino. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real cost of living in these two cities in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Fullerton and San Bernardino stack up:
| Housing Type | Fullerton | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $950,000 | $450,000 |
| Typical Rent (2BR) | $2,800 | $1,900 |
🏆 Winner: San Bernardino. Housing costs are significantly lower in San Bernardino compared to Fullerton. A household moving from Fullerton to San Bernardino could potentially save over $10,000 per year on housing alone.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs also impact your monthly budget. In Fullerton, expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash for a typical home. San Bernardino utility bills average closer to $220 monthly.
Both cities have similar climates, so seasonal swings in energy use for heating and cooling are comparable. Look into off-peak energy plans from SoCal Edison or SoCalGas to optimize your utility spending in either location.
🏆 Winner: Fullerton. While the difference isn’t huge, Fullerton residents save about $40 per month on utilities on average compared to those in San Bernardino.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
For a family of four, expect to budget around $1100 per month for groceries in Fullerton. San Bernardino is a bit more affordable, with average grocery costs closer to $950 monthly.
Eating out is also cheaper in San Bernardino. A meal at a mid-range restaurant averages $45 for two in Fullerton vs $35 in San Bernardino.
🏆 Winner: San Bernardino. The Inland Empire city takes this category, with meaningfully lower food costs than Fullerton across groceries and dining out.
4. Taxes and Fees
California is known for its high taxes, and these cities are no exception. Property tax rates are similar (around 1.1-1.2% of assessed value annually). But with Fullerton’s higher home prices, that translates to a bigger tax bill.
Sales tax is 7.75% in Fullerton and 8.75% in San Bernardino as of 2025. So everyday purchases will cost a bit more in San Bernardino.
For homeowners, HOA fees are common in both cities. In Fullerton, HOAs often include landscaping and community amenities, with fees typically ranging from $200-500 monthly. San Bernardino HOA fees are lower on average.
🏆 Winner: Fullerton. While it’s close, the lower sales tax gives Fullerton a slight edge in this category for most households.
5. Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Fullerton | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $2,800 | $1,900 |
| Utilities | $180 | $220 |
| Groceries | $1,100 | $950 |
| Transportation | $80 | $60 |
| Taxes | 7.75% sales tax | 8.75% sales tax |
| Misc Costs | $500 | $400 |
| Est. Monthly Total | $4,660 | $3,530 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Cost is just one factor in choosing between Fullerton and San Bernardino. Also consider:
- Commute times: Fullerton offers more jobs in town and access to LA/OC. San Bernardino means longer drives.
- Walkability: Fullerton has a cute downtown. Most of San Bernardino requires driving.
- Schools: Fullerton schools rank higher on average.
- Crime: Both have typical suburban crime rates, a bit higher in San Bernardino.
Fullerton averages 5°F cooler summer highs than San Bernardino. But both cities get hot!
San Bernardino housing costs 52% less than Fullerton. That’s huge for affordability.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fullerton more expensive than San Bernardino?
Yes, Fullerton has a higher overall cost of living, primarily due to housing costs. Expect to spend about 30% more to live in Fullerton.
Which city has cheaper rent?
San Bernardino rents are significantly lower. A typical 2BR apartment costs $1,900 in San Bernardino compared to $2,800 in Fullerton.
How much do I need to make to live comfortably in Fullerton vs San Bernardino?
Based on the 30% rule for housing, a household would need to earn about $9,300 gross per month ($112K/year) to afford a median 2BR rental in Fullerton comfortably. In San Bernardino, $6,300 gross monthly income ($76K/year) is sufficient.
What’s the median household income in Fullerton vs San Bernardino?
The median household earns $7,800 gross per month in Fullerton ($94K annually) compared to $4,500 per month in San Bernardino ($54K annually) as of 2025.
8. Conclusion
Fullerton and San Bernardino offer contrasting costs and lifestyles. Fullerton is pricier but provides more amenities, jobs, and nicer neighborhoods on average. San Bernardino is much more affordable, particularly for housing, but means trade-offs in location and commutes.
Your budget and priorities determine which city is the better fit. A family seeking an affordable starter home may prefer San Bernardino. A high-earning professional valuing walkability and proximity to LA/OC may opt for Fullerton despite the higher costs.
Carefully weigh the tradeoffs for your situation. Crunch the numbers using your own income and projected expenses. Check out our Monthly Budget Examples for Fullerton Residents and Cost of Living in Fullerton (2025 Guide) for more insights. With thoughtful planning, you can find the right balance in either of these SoCal cities.