Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Fontana

California
146

Cincinnati is 53% cheaper than Fontana.

$953/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 82%
$51,707/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 90%
$215,300 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 159%
$1,041/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 91%
309,595
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $780/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $9,360/year.

Median household income is $46,480/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Fontana — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Fontana?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $780/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Fontana?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $46,480/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and California?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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 Cincinnati details → View Fontana details →

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