Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Fontana is 125% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,733/mo ↑ 87%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 47%
$98,187/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 31%
$558,500 ↑ 215%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 68%
$1,990/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 46%
211,921
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $808/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $9,696/year.

Median household income is $30,328/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Cedar Rapids slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Fontana or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $808/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $30,328/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Iowa?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Cedar Rapids

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Cedar Rapids vs. Hampton Cedar Rapids vs. Dayton Cedar Rapids vs. West Valley City Cedar Rapids vs. Pasadena Cedar Rapids vs. Columbia Cedar Rapids vs. Miramar