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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Fontana is 34% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,733/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 28%
$98,187/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 6%
$558,500 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 87%
$1,990/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 18%
211,921
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $485/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $5,820/year.

Median household income is $5,591/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Fontana or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Pasadena?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $485/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Pasadena?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $5,591/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth