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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Fontana is 13% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,733/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 26%
$98,187/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 4%
$558,500 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 6%
$1,990/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 12%
211,921
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $458/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $5,496/year.

Median household income is $4,134/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Fontana or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Fairfield?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $458/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Fairfield?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $4,134/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Fairfield

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill