Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Kent, WA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Fontana and Kent have a similar cost of living.

$1,733/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 6%
$98,187/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 8%
$558,500 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 4%
$1,990/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 4%
211,921
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $100/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $1,200/year.

Median household income is $7,771/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Kent — common questions

Is Fontana or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Kent?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $100/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Kent?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $7,771/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Kent details →

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