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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Richmond

California
161

Fontana is 9% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,733/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 9%
$98,187/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 8%
$558,500 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 16%
$1,990/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 1%
211,921
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $162/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $1,944/year.

Median household income is $8,149/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Richmond — common questions

Is Fontana or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Richmond?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $162/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Richmond?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $8,149/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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

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