Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Fontana is 90% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,733/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 39%
$98,187/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 37%
$558,500 ↑ 122%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 55%
$1,990/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 47%
211,921
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $668/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $8,016/year.

Median household income is $36,733/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Fontana or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Lafayette?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $668/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Lafayette?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $36,733/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Louisiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Lafayette details →

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