Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Fontana

California
146

Detroit is 64% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,034/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 68%
$39,575/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 148%
$76,800 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 627%
$868/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 129%
636,644
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $699/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $8,388/year.

Median household income is $58,612/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Detroit slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Fontana — common questions

Is Detroit or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Fontana?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $699/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Fontana?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $58,612/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and California?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Fontana details →

More Comparisons

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