Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Fontana is 38% more expensive than Manchester.

$1,733/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↓ 15%
$98,187/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 21%
$558,500 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 40%
$1,990/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↓ 22%
211,921
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $20,772/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Manchester — common questions

Is Fontana or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Manchester?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Manchester?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $20,772/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and New Hampshire?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Manchester details →

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