Cost of Living: Chula Vista, CA vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Fontana

California
146

Chula Vista is 22% more expensive than Fontana.

$2,122/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↓ 18%
$105,173/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↓ 7%
$697,400 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$558,500 ↓ 20%
$2,342/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↓ 15%
275,030
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $389/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $4,668/year.

Median household income is $6,986/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Fontana — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Fontana?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $389/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Fontana?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $6,986/year higher in Chula Vista.
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 Chula Vista or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/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 Chula Vista details → View Fontana details →

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