Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Columbus, GA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Columbus

Georgia
69

Fontana is 112% more expensive than Columbus.

$1,733/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↓ 38%
$98,187/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$56,622/yr ↓ 42%
$558,500 ↑ 206%
Home Value
$182,300 ↓ 67%
$1,990/mo ↑ 87%
Owner Costs
$1,064/mo ↓ 47%
211,921
Population
204,383

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Columbus, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $661/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $7,932/year.

Median household income is $41,565/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $182,300 in Columbus.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Columbus — common questions

Is Fontana or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Columbus?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Columbus it's $1,072/month — a difference of $661/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Columbus?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $56,622 in Columbus. Median household income is $41,565/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Georgia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Columbus has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Columbus details →

More Comparisons

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