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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Fontana is 12% more expensive than Palmdale.

$1,733/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ≈ Same
$98,187/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↓ 17%
$558,500 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$435,300 ↓ 22%
$1,990/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↓ 8%
211,921
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $17,036/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Fontana or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palmdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Palmdale?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $3/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Palmdale?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $17,036/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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Palmdale

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona