Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Huntington Beach, CA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Fontana is 36% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,733/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 40%
$98,187/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 22%
$558,500 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 88%
$1,990/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 22%
211,921
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $691/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $8,292/year.

Median household income is $21,698/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Fontana or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $691/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $21,698/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Huntington Beach details →

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