Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Fontana is 4% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,733/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 4%
$98,187/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 15%
$558,500 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 8%
$1,990/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↓ 2%
211,921
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $69/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $828/year.

Median household income is $15,209/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Arvada — common questions

Is Fontana or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Arvada?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $69/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Arvada?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $15,209/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Arvada details →

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