Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Fontana

California
146

Albuquerque is 66% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,085/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 60%
$65,604/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 50%
$266,700 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 109%
$1,149/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 73%
562,488
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $648/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $7,776/year.

Median household income is $32,583/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Albuquerque slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Fontana — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Fontana?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $648/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Fontana?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $32,583/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and California?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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