Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Fontana

California
146

Denver and Fontana have a similar cost of living.

$1,770/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↓ 2%
$91,681/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 7%
$586,700 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$558,500 ↓ 5%
$1,839/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 8%
713,734
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,506/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Fontana — common questions

Is Denver or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Fontana?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $37/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Fontana?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $6,506/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Fontana details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Fontana

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester