Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Salem, OR (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Fontana is 39% more expensive than Salem.

$1,733/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 24%
$98,187/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 27%
$558,500 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 32%
$1,990/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 28%
211,921
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $410/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $4,920/year.

Median household income is $26,287/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Salem — common questions

Is Fontana or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Salem?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $410/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Salem?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $26,287/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Oregon?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Salem details →

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