Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Garden Grove, CA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Fontana is 17% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,733/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 14%
$98,187/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↓ 8%
$558,500 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 37%
$1,990/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 1%
211,921
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $238/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $2,856/year.

Median household income is $8,021/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Fontana or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $238/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $8,021/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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Garden Grove

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins