Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Providence, RI (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Fontana is 47% more expensive than Providence.

$1,733/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 23%
$98,187/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 32%
$558,500 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 42%
$1,990/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 26%
211,921
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $400/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $4,800/year.

Median household income is $31,415/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Providence — common questions

Is Fontana or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Providence?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $400/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Providence?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $31,415/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Rhode Island?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Providence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Providence

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Providence vs. Glendale Providence vs. Akron Providence vs. Vancouver Providence vs. Brownsville Providence vs. Knoxville Providence vs. Tempe