Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Fontana

California
146

Anaheim is 36% more expensive than Fontana.

$2,082/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↓ 17%
$90,583/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 8%
$771,700 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$558,500 ↓ 28%
$2,165/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↓ 8%
344,553
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $349/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $4,188/year.

Median household income is $7,604/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Fontana — common questions

Is Anaheim or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Fontana?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $349/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Fontana?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $7,604/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/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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