Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Fontana is 42% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,733/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 23%
$98,187/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 11%
$558,500 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 142%
$1,990/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 18%
211,921
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $394/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $4,728/year.

Median household income is $10,371/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Fontana or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Berkeley?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $394/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Berkeley?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $10,371/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Berkeley details →

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