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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Fontana is 42% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,733/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 55%
$98,187/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 42%
$558,500 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 107%
$1,990/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 41%
211,921
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $945/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $11,340/year.

Median household income is $41,139/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Fontana or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $945/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $41,139/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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