Lake Forest, CA vs. Fullerton, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Meet the Johnsons, a family of four debating a move from Fullerton to Lake Forest in 2025. They’re comparing the real costs of housing, utilities, groceries and more between the two cities to see which fits their lifestyle and budget. Let’s break down the key differences to help them (and you) decide.
Housing Costs: Lake Forest vs Fullerton
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage prices compare:
| Housing Type | Lake Forest | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $2,400 | $2,700 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $950,000 | $1,100,000 |
🏆 Winner: Lake Forest. Renting a 2-bedroom apartment costs about $300 less per month, while buying a home is around $150,000 cheaper.
For a detailed look at housing expenses, read our guides on how much it costs to live in Lake Forest each month and the full cost of living in Lake Forest.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around:
- $120/month for electricity
- $40/month for water
- $80/month for gas
Both areas have mild winters, so heating costs stay low. Summer A/C usage drives most of the electric bill.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are nearly identical in Lake Forest and Fullerton.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices are comparable in both cities, with Lake Forest coming in about 5% cheaper on average. Eating out is also slightly less expensive.
For a family of 4, plan on a monthly grocery budget of around:
- $1,000 in Lake Forest
- $1,050 in Fullerton
🏆 Winner: Lake Forest, but only by a small margin. Weekly grocery and dining out costs are about $50 lower.
Taxes and Fees
Both cities have similar property tax rates around 1.1% of assessed value. For a $1M home, expect to pay roughly:
- $11,000/year in Lake Forest
- $11,500/year in Fullerton
Note that many HOAs in Lake Forest include front yard landscaping and trash collection, which can save $50-100/month compared to Fullerton.
🏆 Winner: Lake Forest. Lower home values and HOA perks give it a slight edge.
Cost of Living Summary
| Monthly Expense | Lake Forest | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Mortgage*) | $4,500 | $5,200 |
| Utilities | $240 | $240 |
| Groceries | $1,000 | $1,050 |
| Transportation | $500 | $450 |
| Taxes | $950 | $1,000 |
| Misc | $800 | $800 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $7,990 | $8,740 |
*Based on a 5% down payment, 6% interest rate, and 30-year term.
Lifestyle Fit: Lake Forest vs Fullerton
While Lake Forest is more affordable overall, Fullerton has some lifestyle advantages:
- Walkability and transit. Fullerton’s downtown is more pedestrian-friendly, with a 90/100 Walk Score. It also has a Metrolink station for easier car-free commuting.
- College town perks. With Cal State Fullerton in town, Fullerton has a younger vibe, more nightlife, and cultural events.
However, Lake Forest offers:
- Newer housing. Most homes in Lake Forest were built in the 1990s or later. In Fullerton, over half are pre-1970.
- More open space. Lake Forest has larger parks and more undeveloped land nearby for hiking and recreation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Forest more affordable than Fullerton?
Yes, the overall cost of living is about 10% lower in Lake Forest, mainly due to cheaper housing.
Which city has lower rent?
Lake Forest. Renting a 2-bedroom apartment is around $300 less per month than in Fullerton.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Lake Forest. The median price for a 3-bedroom house is about $150,000 lower than Fullerton.
The Bottom Line
For the budget-conscious Johnson family, Lake Forest is the clear winner. They can get more house for their money and save on daily expenses. However, if walkability and college town amenities are a priority, Fullerton may be worth the extra cost.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your family’s lifestyle needs and spending goals. Be sure to compare personalized cost of living details before deciding, and get moving quotes once you’ve picked your ideal hometown.