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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Escondido

California
163

Fontana is 10% cheaper than Escondido.

$1,733/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,922/mo ↑ 11%
$98,187/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$84,477/yr ↓ 14%
$558,500 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$663,500 ↑ 19%
$1,990/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,022/mo ↑ 2%
211,921
Population
149,913

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
27.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Escondido, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $189/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $2,268/year.

Median household income is $13,710/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $663,500 in Escondido.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Escondido — common questions

Is Fontana or Escondido cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Escondido?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Escondido it's $1,922/month — a difference of $189/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Escondido?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $84,477 in Escondido. Median household income is $13,710/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 Escondido?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Escondido has a cost index of 163 with rent of $1,922/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Escondido details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Escondido

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Escondido vs. Bellevue Escondido vs. Jackson Escondido vs. Charleston Escondido vs. Joliet Escondido vs. Roseville Escondido vs. Surprise