Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Fontana is 4% more expensive than Lakewood.

$1,733/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ≈ Same
$98,187/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 13%
$558,500 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 2%
$1,990/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 13%
211,921
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,398/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Fontana or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Lakewood?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Lakewood?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $12,398/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Lakewood

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield