Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Fontana is 73% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,733/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 32%
$98,187/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 43%
$558,500 ↑ 225%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 69%
$1,990/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 42%
211,921
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $554/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $6,648/year.

Median household income is $41,792/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Fayetteville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Fontana or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $554/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $41,792/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,179/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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