Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Downey, CA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Downey

California
169

Fontana is 14% cheaper than Downey.

$1,733/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 9%
$98,187/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 11%
$558,500 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 30%
$1,990/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ≈ Same
211,921
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $159/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $1,908/year.

Median household income is $10,787/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Downey — common questions

Is Fontana or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Downey?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $159/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Downey?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $10,787/year higher in Fontana.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Downey details →

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