Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Brandon, FL (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Fontana is 35% more expensive than Brandon.

$1,733/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↓ 2%
$98,187/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↓ 22%
$558,500 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$293,800 ↓ 47%
$1,990/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↓ 22%
211,921
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $21,119/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Brandon residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Brandon — common questions

Is Fontana or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brandon is cheaper to live in with an index of 108 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Brandon?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $42/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Brandon?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $21,119/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Brandon details →

More Comparisons

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