Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Fontana is 80% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,733/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 30%
$98,187/yr ↑ 117%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 54%
$558,500 ↑ 157%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 61%
$1,990/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 36%
211,921
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $512/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $6,144/year.

Median household income is $52,887/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Hartford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Hartford — common questions

Is Fontana or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Hartford?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $512/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Hartford?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $52,887/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Hartford details →

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