Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Fontana is 135% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,733/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 40%
$98,187/yr ↑ 121%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 55%
$558,500 ↑ 303%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 75%
$1,990/mo ↑ 101%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 50%
211,921
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $686/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $8,232/year.

Median household income is $53,811/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Fontana or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Birmingham?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $686/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Birmingham?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $53,811/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Alabama?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Birmingham details →

More Comparisons

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