Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Fontana is 16% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,733/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 17%
$98,187/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 16%
$558,500 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 25%
$1,990/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 9%
211,921
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $298/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $3,576/year.

Median household income is $15,451/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Fontana or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Alexandria?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $298/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Alexandria?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $15,451/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Alexandria details →

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