Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Fontana is 36% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,733/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 38%
$98,187/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 12%
$558,500 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 89%
$1,990/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 24%
211,921
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $662/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $7,944/year.

Median household income is $11,886/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Fontana or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $662/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $11,886/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Costa Mesa

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria