Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Fontana is 78% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,733/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 25%
$98,187/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 38%
$558,500 ↑ 144%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 59%
$1,990/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 42%
211,921
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $434/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $5,208/year.

Median household income is $37,240/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Fontana or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Lakeland?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $434/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Lakeland?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $37,240/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Lakeland

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon