Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Fontana is 30% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,733/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 16%
$98,187/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 35%
$558,500 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 30%
$1,990/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 22%
211,921
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $270/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $3,240/year.

Median household income is $34,313/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Elizabeth slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Fontana or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $270/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $34,313/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Elizabeth

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland