Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Fontana is 82% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,733/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 33%
$98,187/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 43%
$558,500 ↑ 129%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 56%
$1,990/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 41%
211,921
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $575/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $6,900/year.

Median household income is $42,534/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Columbia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Columbia — common questions

Is Fontana or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Columbia?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $575/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Columbia?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $42,534/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and South Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Columbia details →

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