Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Elk Grove, CA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Fontana is 13% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,733/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 26%
$98,187/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 24%
$558,500 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 8%
$1,990/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 12%
211,921
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $447/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $5,364/year.

Median household income is $24,042/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Fontana or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $447/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $24,042/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Elk Grove

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem