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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Fontana is 25% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,733/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 23%
$98,187/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 6%
$558,500 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 54%
$1,990/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 13%
211,921
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $391/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $4,692/year.

Median household income is $6,032/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Fontana or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Fullerton?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $391/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Fullerton?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $6,032/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Fullerton

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren