Cost of Living: Chandler, AZ vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Chandler

Arizona
134
VS

Fontana

California
146

Chandler is 8% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,806/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↓ 4%
$103,691/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↓ 5%
$469,800 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 19%
$1,743/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 14%
278,123
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chandler, AZ and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $73/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $876/year.

Median household income is $5,504/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chandler is $469,800 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandler vs Fontana — common questions

Is Chandler or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chandler is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chandler and Fontana?
Median rent in Chandler is $1,806/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $73/month.
Which city has higher income, Chandler or Fontana?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $5,504/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chandler or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Chandler has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,806/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 Chandler details → View Fontana details →

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