Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Fontana is 7% more expensive than Fort Collins.

$1,733/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↓ 4%
$98,187/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↓ 15%
$558,500 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$548,400 ↓ 2%
$1,990/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 15%
211,921
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $72/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $864/year.

Median household income is $14,589/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Fontana or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $72/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $14,589/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

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