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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Fontana is 165% more expensive than Akron.

$1,733/mo ↑ 86%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 46%
$98,187/yr ↑ 102%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 51%
$558,500 ↑ 402%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 80%
$1,990/mo ↑ 120%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 55%
211,921
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $803/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $9,636/year.

Median household income is $49,643/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Akron — common questions

Is Fontana or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Akron?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $803/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Akron?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $49,643/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Ohio?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Akron has a cost index of 55 with rent of $930/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Akron details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Akron

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Akron vs. Providence Akron vs. Brownsville Akron vs. Glendale Akron vs. Tempe Akron vs. Vancouver Akron vs. Paradise