Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Moreno Valley, CA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Moreno Valley

California
144

Fontana and Moreno Valley have a similar cost of living.

$1,733/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,036/mo ↑ 17%
$98,187/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$87,477/yr ↓ 11%
$558,500 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$461,400 ↓ 17%
$1,990/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,980/mo ≈ Same
211,921
Population
210,378

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
27.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Moreno Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $303/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $3,636/year.

Median household income is $10,710/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $461,400 in Moreno Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Moreno Valley — common questions

Is Fontana or Moreno Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Moreno Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Moreno Valley?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Moreno Valley it's $2,036/month — a difference of $303/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Moreno Valley?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $87,477 in Moreno Valley. Median household income is $10,710/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 Moreno Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with rent of $2,036/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Moreno Valley details →

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