Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Fontana is 62% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,733/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 27%
$98,187/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 10%
$558,500 ↑ 121%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 55%
$1,990/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 25%
211,921
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $473/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $5,676/year.

Median household income is $9,871/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Elgin slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Elgin — common questions

Is Fontana or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Elgin?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $473/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Elgin?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $9,871/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Elgin

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont