Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Fontana is 38% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,733/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 16%
$98,187/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 45%
$558,500 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 40%
$1,990/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 22%
211,921
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $276/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $3,312/year.

Median household income is $44,421/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Paterson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Paterson — common questions

Is Fontana or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Paterson?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $276/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Paterson?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $44,421/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

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