Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Fontana is 85% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,733/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 40%
$98,187/yr ↑ 111%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 53%
$558,500 ↑ 363%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 78%
$1,990/mo ↑ 97%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 49%
211,921
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.9%
7.25%
Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $694/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $8,328/year.

Median household income is $51,559/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

New York has a lower income tax rate, making Rochester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Rochester — common questions

Is Fontana or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Rochester?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $694/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Rochester?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $51,559/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and New York?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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