Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Fontana is 39% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,733/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 58%
$98,187/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 29%
$558,500 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 86%
$1,990/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 32%
211,921
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,009/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $12,108/year.

Median household income is $28,282/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Fontana or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Cambridge?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,009/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Cambridge?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $28,282/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Cambridge details →

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