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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Fontana is 39% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,733/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 11%
$98,187/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 34%
$558,500 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 42%
$1,990/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 29%
211,921
Population
117,075

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
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $194/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $2,328/year.

Median household income is $33,747/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Fontana or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Clearwater?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $194/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Clearwater?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $33,747/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 Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Clearwater

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville