Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Lancaster, CA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Fontana is 18% more expensive than Lancaster.

$1,733/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↓ 2%
$98,187/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 23%
$558,500 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 27%
$1,990/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↓ 12%
211,921
Population
170,013

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $22,104/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Fontana or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Lancaster?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $37/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Lancaster?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $22,104/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Lancaster details →

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