Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Fontana

California
146

Arlington is 39% more expensive than Fontana.

$2,275/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↓ 24%
$140,160/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↓ 30%
$864,800 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$558,500 ↓ 35%
$2,414/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↓ 18%
235,463
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $542/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $6,504/year.

Median household income is $41,973/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Fontana — common questions

Is Arlington or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Fontana?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $542/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Fontana?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $41,973/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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.
View Arlington details → View Fontana details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Fontana

Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester