Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Fontana is 85% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,733/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 27%
$98,187/yr ↑ 84%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 46%
$558,500 ↑ 196%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 66%
$1,990/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 38%
211,921
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $464/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $5,568/year.

Median household income is $44,784/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Allentown — common questions

Is Fontana or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Allentown?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $464/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Allentown?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $44,784/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Pennsylvania?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Allentown details →

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