Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Fontana

California
146

Boston is 21% more expensive than Fontana.

$2,093/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↓ 17%
$94,755/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 4%
$710,400 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$558,500 ↓ 21%
$2,176/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↓ 9%
663,972
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $360/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $4,320/year.

Median household income is $3,432/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Fontana — common questions

Is Boston or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Fontana?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $360/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Fontana?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $3,432/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Fontana details →

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