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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Ontario

California
152

Fontana is 4% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,733/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 11%
$98,187/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↓ 16%
$558,500 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 2%
$1,990/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↓ 1%
211,921
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $183/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $2,196/year.

Median household income is $15,381/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Ontario — common questions

Is Fontana or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Ontario?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $183/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Ontario?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $15,381/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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Ontario

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa