Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Independence, MO (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Fontana is 118% more expensive than Independence.

$1,733/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 39%
$98,187/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 39%
$558,500 ↑ 236%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 70%
$1,990/mo ↑ 90%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 47%
211,921
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $672/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $8,064/year.

Median household income is $38,707/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Independence — common questions

Is Fontana or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Independence?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $672/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Independence?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $38,707/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Missouri?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Independence

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