Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Fontana is 9% more expensive than East Los Angeles.

$1,733/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↓ 17%
$98,187/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 30%
$558,500 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 10%
$1,990/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↓ 27%
211,921
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $302/month cheaper in East Los Angeles, saving renters about $3,624/year.

Median household income is $29,809/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Fontana or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, East Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $302/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $29,809/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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and East Los Angeles

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester East Los Angeles vs. Lowell East Los Angeles vs. Carlsbad East Los Angeles vs. League City East Los Angeles vs. Waterbury East Los Angeles vs. High Point East Los Angeles vs. Provo