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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Fontana is 17% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,733/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 34%
$98,187/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 12%
$558,500 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 9%
$1,990/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 20%
211,921
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $597/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $7,164/year.

Median household income is $11,593/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Fontana or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Murrieta?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $597/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Murrieta?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $11,593/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Murrieta details →

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