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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Oceanside

California
179

Fontana is 18% cheaper than Oceanside.

$1,733/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 27%
$98,187/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$93,724/yr ↓ 5%
$558,500 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$702,000 ↑ 26%
$1,990/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,232/mo ↑ 12%
211,921
Population
172,542

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
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Oceanside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $474/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $5,688/year.

Median household income is $4,463/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $702,000 in Oceanside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Oceanside — common questions

Is Fontana or Oceanside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Oceanside?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Oceanside it's $2,207/month — a difference of $474/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Oceanside?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $93,724 in Oceanside. Median household income is $4,463/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 Oceanside?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Oceanside has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Oceanside details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Oceanside

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Oceanside vs. Rancho Cucamonga Oceanside vs. Clarksville Oceanside vs. Salem Oceanside vs. Garden Grove Oceanside vs. Cary Oceanside vs. Pembroke Pines