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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Orange

California
206

Fontana is 29% cheaper than Orange.

$1,733/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 30%
$98,187/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 19%
$558,500 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 61%
$1,990/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 20%
211,921
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $519/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $6,228/year.

Median household income is $18,758/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Orange — common questions

Is Fontana or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Orange?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $519/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Orange?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $18,758/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Orange

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City