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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Fontana is 27% more expensive than Miami Gardens.

$1,733/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 1%
$98,187/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 38%
$558,500 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 40%
$1,990/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↓ 18%
211,921
Population
111,264

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
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $37,208/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Fontana or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Miami Gardens is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $24/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $37,208/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 Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Miami Gardens

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Miami Gardens vs. Pueblo Miami Gardens vs. Everett Miami Gardens vs. Murrieta Miami Gardens vs. Costa Mesa Miami Gardens vs. Downey Miami Gardens vs. Temecula