Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Rancho Cucamonga, CA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182

Fontana is 20% cheaper than Rancho Cucamonga.

$1,733/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,286/mo ↑ 32%
$98,187/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$109,511/yr ↑ 12%
$558,500 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$694,400 ↑ 24%
$1,990/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$2,324/mo ↑ 17%
211,921
Population
174,693

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $553/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $6,636/year.

Median household income is $11,324/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $694,400 in Rancho Cucamonga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Rancho Cucamonga — common questions

Is Fontana or Rancho Cucamonga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Rancho Cucamonga?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Rancho Cucamonga it's $2,286/month — a difference of $553/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Rancho Cucamonga?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga. Median household income is $11,324/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
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 Rancho Cucamonga?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,286/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Rancho Cucamonga details →

More Comparisons

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