Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Cary, NC (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Fontana is 8% more expensive than Cary.

$1,733/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↓ 6%
$98,187/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 32%
$558,500 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$525,200 ↓ 6%
$1,990/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↓ 12%
211,921
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $112/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $1,344/year.

Median household income is $31,212/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Cary — common questions

Is Fontana or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Cary?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $112/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Cary?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $31,212/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Cary details →

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