Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Fontana is 192% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,733/mo ↑ 100%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 50%
$98,187/yr ↑ 126%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 56%
$558,500 ↑ 499%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 83%
$1,990/mo ↑ 139%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 58%
211,921
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $867/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $10,404/year.

Median household income is $54,733/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Dayton — common questions

Is Fontana or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Dayton?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $867/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Dayton?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $54,733/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Ohio?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Dayton details →

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