Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Fontana

California
146

Durham is 28% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,412/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 23%
$79,234/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 24%
$355,300 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 57%
$1,434/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 39%
288,465
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $321/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $3,852/year.

Median household income is $18,953/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Fontana — common questions

Is Durham or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Fontana?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $321/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Fontana?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $18,953/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Fontana details →

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